My brief guide to surviving Win8
0. Do not use "online" account! They suck. Local account is a must
1. Unpin all metro apps from start screen
1.1 Sensible colour scheme (blue on grey or something) makes it look less Fisher-Price
2. Change default file opening programs to non-metro apps (photos, audio, video, PDF, etc)
3. Win-X or right-click on start pop-up thing for power user menu!
I don't quite agree with Win8 as a concept, but overall it's pretty awesome once you get used to it. Lots of worthwhile upgrades. Server 2012 too / especially. Good luck!