I'm having a desk top rebuilt (keeping video,case,power). I was told to install win 8 but would like win 7. We have two other laptop that will be win 7 and wife would not like leaning new OS. Is there a way for win 8 to look like win 7,with out degrading win 8 and then in future get my wife to move to new OS . Also if I do get win 7 installed can I upgrade to win 8 in a few years or would there be extra charge to upgrade.
Your wife wouldn't have to learn a new OS. It's really just the menu that has changed. Instead of listings in the Start Menu, you have a Start Screen where the programs are laid out with larger tiles instead of icons. Sure, controlling the placement and such is different, but not that daunting for anyone already familiar with Windows.
Software designed for the desktop will continue for many, many years. Publishers will update their software to run under both Windows 7 and 8, but eventually Windows 7 will fade just like every other version did.
Plus, I believe now is the time to learn how to operate the newly designed Apps. They will continue to grow and mature over the years, depending on the success of touch. As with every major release of OS, getting familiar early one is way better than struggling with it later.
As far as all the other OS functions, (i.e. users, programs, etc) they can all still be control through the same old Control Panel.
Maybe this video will help show the differences between the Start Menu and Start Screen:
Why the Windows 8 Start Screen is Better Than the Windows 7 Start Menu - YouTube
Besides this, there are TONS of videos from Microsoft and individuals that explain how to use Windows 8.