Quik Question?
 

not sure if this is the right place, im sorry if it isnt, but is there a version of linux that can handle windows software so i can use all my old software on it?

Quick question, short answer: no.

You can use SOME windows software on Linux, using the Wine compatability layer, but it is nowhere near complete. You could also use a true windows emulator like VMWare or such, but in the long run if what you really want is to run windows apps, I suggest you stick to windows. If, however, you are interested in breaking away from windows and finding open sources alternatives to your windows apps, by all means jump in.

I agree with ProfJohn's point. I dual-boot... for the games! I have quite a few video games, and they are very much Windows-only.
As for the basics - browsing, e-mail/calendar, text documents, IM'ing, I now use Linux Mandrake in a successful migration. Keeps the work one one side and the games on another... I have tried with Wine - winehq.com - but the compatibility layer has it's limits. What are the programs you'll need? There are quite a few Linux alternatives to most program types.