to run ms apps in linux you need special utilities (some free some not).
there is a replacement or separate version for most ms crap under linux, a lot of it free
most start with red hat or mandrake
i would recommend dual-booting at first by repartitioning your drive in half, installing windows on one and linux on the other. we can help you all day long, feel free to ask.
do read up before trashing your system... something as simple as a modem/nic driver you forgot to save can leave you dead in the water.
oh, and welcome to the dark side of the moon
[ June 27, 2002: Message edited by: sporkme / bob ]