New Computer Purchase with Win 8

[4breezes]

We're considering buying a new laptop from Costco, a Dell Inspiron with W8 pre-installed. Dealing with Costco, you buy what they offer. I seriously doubt, and haven't found, that there is an option to buy this laptop with W7 rather than W8.

The fact is that I'm just a bit uneasy about W8. What are my options if I/we don't like W8? Can it be made to look and act like W7? I can deal with W7, so would want that as a fall-back. Could it simply be replaced with W7? How much hassle would that be?

I'm just trying to feel my way along here in the darkest corner of an unlit room, so please bear with me. We want/need a new laptop, but I don't to shoot myself in the foot.

Happy Thanksgiving to all here.