That's my point. Only, substitute Linux for Vista.
How much Windows software do you need to run, anyway?
Quicken was one. There's nothing for Linux that compares.
Did you try out the Virtualbox seamless mode?
No. As stated, I see no purpose in running one OS over another. I tried WINE, but that was worthless. After that is when I asked myself 'what am I doing this for?'. I went back to Windows and have never given Linux another thought.
It's a simple decision. If what you need is Windows based, stick with Windows. If you have nothing you're tied to, then Linux may be worth considering. As for the security issues, they can be mostly dealt with through free software, proper hardware configuration, and some practical habits when online.
Okay, so you see no purpose. I see no purpose in limiting myself to using a whole host install of Windows, so I can use one or two Windows programs. Especially, when I can use them to full effect in a seamless Virtualbox that fits right into my host operating system.
Occasionally, I do some 3d design though that does require a full Windows installation. I dual boot for that. I even set it up, so that my mail client and other everyday applications are cross platform and share files, so when I switch between operating systems, I have the same settings and don’t miss a beat. Of course, it’s a lot uglier environment and is less user-friendly in Windows, but that’s the price we pay for needing those extra cpu cycles.