Windows8.1 -any good ?any tips?

Well I have had a nightmare time with computers just lately , like many I was still using Windows XP  it was more than adequate for my needs, but with the end of support I thought it time to upgrade , I have windows 7 starter on my netbook and again it more than meets my needs  but apparently support for this will also end in the not to distant future . So I opted for windows 8 , this has stuff on I will never need like FTSE index . the news that is always in your face masses of apps to chain you to the screen for hours with games ,recipes, travel apps , apps to manage apps , it just goes on and on , I liked things simple as on XP ,one screen with your icons of much used programs etc:. windows 8 has 2 screens and to change from one to another it's either press the marked key or place the mouse right in the corner bottom left  for one and top left for the other .The pop out menu to log off/shut down etc: is located on the right, and it does pop out , but only if it feels like it, at times I just can't get it to reveal itself . Well having  finally got it to show itself you then select "settings" then "power" and then "shut down" how much smarter and simpler is this compared to earlier windows versions not a lot apparently as soon after windows 8 was launched it was upgraded to 8.1 reverting slightly someway back to  the more familiar XP ,I eventually found you could upgrade to the 8.1 version free of charge I think it was via the APPS store , you still have two screens to swop between ,one has your sort of icons on but it looks rather bare as my previous computer had loads and loads of icons displayed , and then there is the apps page where I eventually found I was able to pin the "my computer " link here ,( there may be an easier way) I needed this because when I connected the external hardrive  with photos music etc on I could not find it , actually I only located it by switching it off and then back on where it appeared as having been just connected that's fine till you come out of it and then try to find it again . Well anyway I'm sure I will get used to it  after all it's not rocket science is it ,just as well though as a search of the APPS STORE does not reveal a Rocket Science app, there are however  hundreds of games etc: to turn you into either  a Genius or a Cabbage you decide .