Yes, you can regain the functionality of Windows 7 by reverting your
installation to Windows 7. ;)
I had Vista before buying a computer with Win 8. I found the tablet
like interface features to be a PITA when using a mouse. If you find a
way to get better functionality from Win 8, please let me know.
I use Opaque Taskbar to keep my windows from maximizing behind the
taskbar which I have configured to always show. I think it has other
features which I have not explored regarding making the computer more
like Win 7.
--
Rick