You can run all the programs which Windows 7 can

Access the control panel by rightclicking the left bottom of the screen. That will give you several options - including the control panel

I use it on one machine. Is it better as Windows 7? - No. Is it worse as Win7? Not really. You can install a 3rd party tool to add the start button and you get back to what you are used to.

I am no fan either of the Modern UI. But after a few months it does not bother me anymore since I hardly ever see it