Windows 8 is faster than Windows 7, I personally prefer Windows 8 on touch screens but is also usable on PC. Check out if you want to learns the tips and tricks that can make working with Windows 8 not so confusing.
check this article which has the most common causes of Windows 8 installation fauliure, along with their fixes http://www.windows8web.com/windows-8-installation-has-failed/