For a smoothly working w8, you must disable every single service that manages security, but keep windows defender on. The performance of microsofts operating system has gone through a substantial improvement, w8 never slows down.

Yep - WIN 8.1 is a big improvement over WIN8. The Start button brings back most of what was taken away. And I configured it to boot directly to the desktop.

I removed all external security programs as well and just use Windows Defender which is built in WIN8.1.

I rarely get prompted for permissions. Usually only during file downloads.

Ed

Although I never used it I do find the metro UI to be beautifully designed and intriguing, I would like to give it a try someday. I can't say anything about it's usability though, as I have read my fair share of bad feedback about it's problems, and I do find Microsoft's attempt to convert the "sacred" desktop environment into another mobile tablet friendly experience a bad move for the desktop oriented productivity users.

If I ever made a platform jump it would definitely be for the Linux environment and a more "open" ecosystem. But as I stand currently I rely too much on Windows, as it is used at work and by most other people, and the convenience of having portable apps in my thumdrive is just too big to drop for now :)