Dont know much about Linux. Will it run all MS Windows apps?
While it will run MS apps using a 3rd party app called Wine, There are now thousands of like kind replacements for MS apps designed to work with Linux. And files are compatible between the two. Example would be an app called Libreoffice replaces MSOffice, but it will also manipulate and utilize MS file extensions.
The apps would take some getting used to because the control button icons, location, and terminology is different, just as it would take with any new app, but they do the same things.
But I can testify that being rid of that MS ball and chain is the best thing I ever did, the security of Linux alone is well worth the hassle to make some minimal time and effort to learn new apps. Because of the structure of Linux you don’t even need an antivirus.
Some versions are better than others, I highly recommend Mint “cinnamon” 18.3 Take some time and do some reading around to get a better idea of what it is. :)
https://itsfoss.com/linux-better-than-windows/
Something also cool, Linux can be installed “alongside” your windows so that you have both to boot up as you prefer. And all the files over in the windows partition can still be accessed, manipulated, copied, etc. in the windows folders even while booted in the Linux. :)
Linux is not compatible with Windows, and no Windows programs will run directly on Linux.
However, there are many "work-alike" software packages, and many Windows programs are able to run under an emulator package that can be installed called "Wine." You can also install a package called "Virtual Box" which will give you Windows virtual machines (effectively a Windows computer in software) for those programs that demand Windows.
Linux is a different animal but many of the newer distributions are quite easy for the novice, especially for those with no computer experience, since you don't need to "unlearn" anything (a huge problem I have working with an iMac,) and there are lots of help videos on YouTube.
There's a saying that "Linux is user friendly, but it's extremely picky about who its friends are."
Mark