I Find it more compatible then 7 is, and although it has a well deserved reputation its not as bad as it was by a long shot. but you know dude you gotta drop xp as your main os at some point support is dropping fast for it
I really would love just to rely upon Linux, but Windows has some key exclusive software that you'd be a fool to step away from. At least Microsoft has an open market on their PCs, or I would dislike everything about them.