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
If the hardware still does the job it should be kept. Updating because a software company is forcing you to will just create unnecessary waste, greenhouse gases, and use unnecessary labor.