You try can Linux out without installing it(via live USB)? Check this guide but use Kubuntu instead of Ubuntu. You can also try it out via virtual machine.
Also try to switch to cross platform open source programs like these so you'll be able to use the same programs when you switch to Linux
I would crack up if they declared all previous versions mothballed, and had a subtle update for all of the old O.S that would break it and demanded everyone update to the new one.