Any version of Windows and Linux can be run on the same computer, and you can switch back and forth between the two.
Linux has its own programs that are comparable to almost anything in Windows (with more being developed every day). There is software available that allows Windows programs to be run in Linux, however, setting up that software can often be a complicated task, even for the most seasoned computer user, and some of the software can be quite expensive (anywhere from $79.99 to $329). Free versions are also available, but as a general rule, they won't run nearly as much Windows software - though that's actually changing as improvements continue to be added. (The probable bottom line is that if you feel you must use a piece of Windows software rather than its Linux counterpart, the best thing is to just go into Windows to use it.)
