I have to smile when read these messages, I went through the same outrage when I first installed Windows 8.
One simple solution? Install Classic Shell (
link here). Its free, open source, and puts back the classic start menu button, making windows 8 similar to windows 7 and more bearable. The PC I have windows 8 pro running on is working very nicely.
I must admit I was frustrated as heck the first time I couldn't find the Shut down button myself... very stupid design. What was Microsoft thinking?