Diablik :
Thanks for the rapid responses folks, I've decided to stay with windows 7. As USAFRet pointed out, there really isn't any need or requirement for me to purchase 8.1 and upgrade. I was just wondering if there were any performance based benefits of upgrading and how hassle free upgrading actually is. I'm certain there will be a time for me to upgrade, just not now.
1) It has been repeatedly shown (google Windows 7 vs 8 gaming) Win8 works faster and better for games simply because it is using the newest code, Windows 7 is not.
2) Windows 7 is NO LONGER CONSUMER SUPPORTED. While there is EXTENDED support, this is for Corps to pay M$ a hefty charge to look at a issue (my driver doesn't work, okay well that will be $15K Up front for us to have a Engineer to 'look' at the issue, a actual solution can be anywhere from $25K to Million+ depending on the complexity, time needed etc. - Note: when CITICORP is doing 100Billion in transactions a day, a Million dollars to fix a driver for all its computers is chump change)
3) Now that Win8 been out in the 'wild' for a while, numerous hardware is starting to show up (as per normal) as Win8 driver enabled or 'fully functional' only. NO WIN7/Vista support. So... this is getting to be a pain in the butt.. as usual.
4) Wait a few more days the BIG show is about to come out with the Consumer Edition Prerelease of WIndows 10. Many rumors exist, but the most persistent is Win10 may finally capitalize on what Win8 started with is the move to SaaS. That is Windows as a OS is meaningless, like it is on your 'Android' or Apple products, all you / me /joe-jane care about are our APPS we have to pay for, so the OS is 'FREE' with the 'device'. As this edition of Windows 10 is supposed to be capable enough to know it is on a Tablet, Laptop, Desktop or Phone, and during installation only put in what is necessary for that device (i.e. NOT installing touch screen METRO interface on a Desktop) so it is plausible that as part of the 'to investor plans to eliminate Windows from the OS' this may be the edition to do so.