You better use the most actual version of Visual Studio because Windows Phone 8. Try the "express" version:
http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/products/visual-studio-express-for-windows-phone[
^]
At best you develop in C# and write most of the code manually and stick to xml-services, bacause the wizard make crappy code which sint maintainable. :mad:
Make a clear concept to separate data, functions anf GUI so you can reuse code. Best is using Windows 7. All others flavours of Windows are CRAP ;-)
If you dont beleive me now, you will see the truth of my words in some months....