Some software programs will not operate on a Linux only system.
Of course Windows programs don't run on Linux. My opinion is that some applications are deliberately written to ensure they cannot be made to run on WINE or Virtualization.
Linux programs won't run on Windows, either.
There are emulators (WINE) and virtualization (VirtualBox) for running Windows stuff on Linux (and vice versa), but really, I
agree with you. If the applications you want to run are Windows only, then for Cromm's sake run Windows!
What I find most confusing about "the opposition" is their inability to understand that point. The OS is a secondary consideration, applications come first. What you're using to get things done are the applications!
That said, if the applications are not a deciding factor, the benefits of not using Windows, security, simplicity, stability, frugality, arise as excellent reasons to try a Linux-based system and see if it works for you.
The fact this is an older slower laptop that I am making into an internet surfing device. And no one plays online games. Linux should fit the bill perfectly all on its own.
Online games? The web-based ones all work, most Flash games work too, like Runescape and Quake Live. Disney's Pixie Hollow doesn't, but is that such a loss?
Several software producers compile games for both Win and Lin, like Heros of Newearth and Quake. World of Warcraft runs with WINE quite well, by what I've seen.
I use VirtualBox for the applications I need that don't work on Linux. They are Microsoft's Silverlight, so that Netflix streaming works, and HP PhotoPrint for borderless photo printing. And, really, that's it.
Anyone every use the Linus Skipjack-Feisty distro?
Huh? (picture me thumbing through the phone book)
The only reference to Skipjack is RedHat 7.3, which seems a little old.
Feisty returns Ubuntu 7, which also seems somewhat old.
Am I missing something? The joke, perhaps?