Hi Jared,
Yes - I would recommend upgrading to Windows 8.1. If you have any money to spare, I would also wholeheartedly recommend you upgrade to an SSD at the same time you upgrade to Windows 8, but that's an optional luxury. It does offer a
massive performance boost though! This is my SSD, and I love it -
Samsung MZ-7TE250BW 840 EVO 250GB Basic SSD SATA 3 7mm UltraSlim 2.5" With Software Suite PC/MAC - Scan.co.uk.
The worst thing you could do when upgrading to 8.1 is rush into it and expect to get using it at the same speed at Windows 7 because you won't. Spend the time getting used to it, setting up the start screen and organising your apps. Make good use of the taskbar by pinning icons to it as well, to save you having to use the start screen.
Here's my Start Screen for example, and this has been organised and re-organised quite a few times but I'm pretty happy with it as it is now:
Spend the time, and get used to it.
Make good use of the Power User Tasks Menu (Win + X, or Right Click the start button), it's very useful and can actually be customised -
http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-tip-edit-power-user-tasks-menu-142525
Right click the start bar -> Properties -> Navigation. The settings there are very useful.
I recommend you give it a try, and don't give up on it if you don't like it instantly.
Stephen
