OK, thanks for that - I take it that I can purchase and install crossover later on? I also take it that crossover would run in the background? Or perhaps needs to be loaded up every time I use a MS Windows-based program?

I'm in something like the same position, only I installed linux on my laptop so I could use the GIMP instead of having to pay through the nose for Paintshop or Photoshop.
I've got to say, as a newbie Mandrake user, the alternatives provided on my Mandrake disks are universally excellent. Whilst there's obviously nothing quite like Word or Dreamweaver, there are things that come so close it makes practically no difference.
My advice, from Rookie to another is just to stick it out as far as possible with the Linux alternatives. That way you get plenty of nice surprises!
As for Bible reading, A quick Google reveals this nice little page, which might be, if you'll pardon a terrible joke, the answer to your prayers!
Bible for Linux Project
Sam B

You can buy/download crossover after dealing with the linux install, yes.

Crossover is mostly the wine API - or a library that allows you to run windows apps - so yes, it's in the background when you run the app. You just click on the windows app icon and it runs like any other app. You do run the crossover config tool when installing an application tho and it helps set the app up correctly, especially 'supported'' apps like Office and such.

Win4lin, on the other hand, is a complete windows OS running in a window, so you run it first then run windows apps inside. It runs a few apps that crossover won't.