My parents WinXP computer recently s**t the bed (it’s not even loading into Safe Mode) and Dad is on a real anti-Microsoft tear because of it. He asked me if he should switch to Mac or Linux. Thing is, I’m not sure either one would run his beloved AutoCAD without some real hoop-jumping.
Linux will run CAD programs without a hitch.
Two possibilities, I suppose.
Dualbooting, or get a second hard drive/computer.
Use linux for everything except AutoCAD, keep one computer tucked away in the back away from an internet connection. Even an internet disabled windows machine is in danger of viruses, but you bring it to a very minimal level.
If you can afford a mac, more power to you. Want to trade lives for a day? :-)