windows 8.1

just got this refurbished hp envy 16g i7 processor computer last week and trying to learn how to use windows 8.1. two things I can't seem to learn how to do are;
1) have ie11 and have been trying to open two screens at one time, listen to internet radio one on and play poker or other games on other screen. like I did with windows 7.
2) try as hard as I might, I can't figure out how to get weather widget on home screen.

if anyone has any suggestions, please advise and i'll be forever grateful.

another question; thinking of going back to windows 7, am I crazy???

god bless and have a wonderful day,
john