"Connect Automatically" box is checked for all the networks in range

Original Title: Why can't I prevent Windows 8 from automatically trying to connect to ALL networks in range?

I just purchased a new HP laptop with Windows 8, and this is my 1st experience with Win 8.

I have noticed that when I view the Network List of all networks within range, all of them have the "Connect Automatically" box ticked. I only wish to attempt to connect automatically to my own network. If I un-tick this box for all other networks it makes no difference -- when I look at it again, the box is ticked.

After researching this on the internet I found some advice which suggested right-clicking on the name of the network and selecting "Forget this network" from the menu that pops up. However, right-clicking on the name of any network other than my own does nothing -- no menu appears. If I right-click on the name of my own network this menu DOES appear ("Show estimated usage, Set as metered connection, Forget this network," etc.)

I have read a similar question posted here, as well as the answers given. It did not help. Stopping and starting the WLAN Autoconfig Services makes no difference:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_8-networking/networks-pane-the-connect-automatically-checkbox/ae5c77fb-1234-4d5b-bf77-628f8b902a7d

It does not appear to me that this person got his/her question resolved adequately, and it seems I have the same concern.

Why is Win 8 configured to connect automatically to ALL networks on the list of available networks, and why am I unable to un-check the "Connect Automatically" box for networks I do not wish to automatically try to connect to? To clarify, I can un-check the box, but the change does not persist; if I move my mouse away from that network name, and then click on it again, "Connect Automatically" is checked again, regardless of the fact that I have just un-checked it.

And why can't I right-click on networks other than my own to access the menu choices which include "forget this network?"

I am a VERY frustrated Windows 8 user. I am about to wipe this stupid hard drive clean and install Linux instead. :(