(V): My first step last year was a dual o/s, but once i got used to most of it, its fine. Of course you will come across problems because as toedder says, people are so blinded to Windows as it comes with every computer you buy. To start with i missed some programs as they will not run on linux based systems, and as mention below WINE will allow most programs to run, BUT if you search the Ubuntu Software Centre the are some great programs that will do the same as any Windows one. Now i am happy with a single boot Ubuntu on here and have a Linux Mint / Windows XP on my backup machine. Sadly i still have to keep up with Windows or i wouldn't get income repairing them

I would recommend to anyone, run a dual boot for a while and get used to it.