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My Linux computer...

I have, for various reasons, been warming up to that idea.

I realize that with Linux you can have issues with drivers. But Linux is entirely compatible with Windows software? (I mean software that specifies "Windows" in System Requirements.)(I realize that the SFW vendor is not going to support it on an off-label OS but can I nonetheless be pretty confident that it will run?)

Actually the Windows software is not compatible with Linux. In order to run it, you need emulators (like VMWare, a good but expensive product). I've never seen an open source arrangement that was satisfactory, or fast, or didn't crash from time to time.

So if you require a particular Windows application, keep Windows around.

OTOH, I actually, am quite pleased with the Linux driver situation. It seems counter-intuitive, but most common models and brands work out-of-the-box. That is, the driver comes with the OS. Yes, the new or unusual device won't, or will require you to upgrade your kernel. In these cases, however, I still find the drivers easier to acquire than their Windows counterparts (which usually require throwing down some cash).

Honestly, whenever I was forced to install devices on Windows computers, I usually ended up asking whomever was around "this is supposed to be easier than Linux?"

The amount of free, quality Linux advice on the internet must be 100 times the amount of Windows advice.