Windows 8.1 is a bit faster and actually runs pretty nicely. Microsoft fixed a lot of the first go around bugs. They still have that new "Metro" start menu, but you can boot directly to the desktop. I boot to the Metro interface because I run a few of the applications there and then load my desktop.
With two monitors, I have two separate desktops, and I can bring up multiple browser windows, which I split on the monitors. I also run Trainz windowed at my screen resolution and I can resize the desktop too so that's windowed.
There is a lot to the OS that I'm still learning about. If the media stops complaining about it, it will be liked by the public. Unfortunately, because the media said it's trash, they'll make sure that everyone things so.
John