WIN8 SHUTDOWN
I've read a few threads having trouble with shuting down WIN8. Sorry to tell you but since XP, all you need to do is press your power button and the system will shut dow normally. If there is a current program stopping it, it will advise just in case you hit the shut down in the middle of a MS Word or such program where you could loose your data.
After serving 27 years as an engineer in the RAF, I had a seachange to IT which I carried on for a further 15 years as a senior IT consultant for a finacial institute here in Oz. I agree with the comments on XP being supported as many companies still you the retail versions which bring in the big bickies. The naming of the versions do not change unless there is a completely new version, ie, WIN7 to WIN8 or a modification to the existing version, ie, WIN8 to WIN8.1 Microsoft do not advertise the subsequent updates such as WIN8.1 to WIN8.1.1
Criminal and confusing but there it is. As a Microsoft Beta Tester I can tell you it does get worse before the productive verse comes out.
Beware of add-ons as some can carry nasty widgets and cookies which send back your personal information.
Chin chin.
"The ox is slow but the Earth is patient."