Not sure if AC installed AC or not, but I think this is part of the reason they recommend making an appointment and having them set it up. They will even do it overnight I believe.
Now, you do have to admit your computers should be up to date on Windows Updates anyway, so you can't blame AC on that one. In fact, it's good they point that out.
AC versions are compatible with Win 8 as you see as you have all Windows 8 except for the server. It's the SQL Server Express 2005 that isn't compatible.
The big box stores like Office Depot have to sell the OEM versions, so they will be first line Win 8. You can get plenty of Win 7 on the Internet and eBay. In fact, I will likely stay with Win 7 for clients for, I hope, years.
This is what I have found with AC IT. For troubleshooting, and logging in to your computer and fixing things, they are great. You just have to be careful when they make blanket statements especially about compatibility issues and double especially when something isn't working that they can't fix.
Good luck.
