new computer & stupid question

 

current: win. xp (current version) /NIS /Maleware Bytes/ SuperAntiSpyware

sitting in its box:  Lenovo 520 H  i 3240 dual core 3rd gen. processor/ 6 GB expandable to 8/1tb/ 1000 gb 3.4 GHz/integrated 5.1 channel speakers/ frnt bus speed 1600 MHz/integrated Intel HD graphics 6 usp 2.0/1 ether/1 vega Pin 15D-sub...

 

Hello - going to try (!) and set up my new desktop (above) rather than have store do it.  Don't think it will be that difficult (yeah, sure) ...it will have Win 8 ...pretty sure it doesn't include 8.1.   Is that update a 'bear' to download & install because if i'd pay the store for a total set-up & 'transfer'  they might do the upgrade for me.   And most important - is it 'refined' enough to use in your opinion?  Or should i just muddle along with '8' until a later date?   I installed my current camera software & printer software in this current computer so i'm not shy about trying this again...will try a router software for wifi also -  never had one.

                       Saved important files/photos to one of those 'Pony' little external drives(am i describing this correctly?) - no problem 'exporting' to it but tried to reverse and see if i could get a folder/file back into current computer as a 'test' and it wouldn't 'take'.! It will leave a 'copy' that only works as long as the 'drive' is sitting in the usb port ... There probably is some 'talent' required .   

                        Found a MS site describing how to transfer Favorites from I.E. 8 to new computer's IE program (version?) but isn't a 'cable' required to do that?  No mention of any needed but how does I.E 'talk' to itself without  a cable between the two towers  to do such a 'transfer' ?  Excuse my stupid question - but i know enough to know i ''dont' know enough.  

                         I do nothing other than emails/reading papers/picture sending/printing/ visiting interesting sites - nothing really technical.    Thanks for reading and any input pffered ! Best wishes and hope the weather isn't being too nasty to you all.  regards - Edythe