[wplug] Need Advice Switching From Windows to Linux

[Lawrence Wolfson]

Hello.  I am new to the mailing list and need some advice about moving from Windows to Linux.  The reason for the move is to avoid being trapped in the coming Microsoft plan to change from one-time software purchase to monthly fees.  I am a bit familiar with Linux having configured a Ubuntu system last year as a curiosity, 

My plan for Linux is to find a solid stable configuration and environment that I can keep current with a minimum of maintenance and upgrades.

However, to make the change I need to find equivalently robust applications on the Linux side.  My key concern is replacing Quicken.  I plan to try Gnucash and MoneyDance.  (I know that MoneyDance has a price.)

My questions are:
1. What flavors of Linux ought I to consider?
For a start, I was planning to look at Fedora 19 and Mint Cinnamon.

2. Same question for desktop environments?
For a start, I was planning to look at KDE and XFCE but am interested in looking at any that are effective and different from what I am used to in Windows.

3. What are good replacements for Outlook?  I like the Outlook email and calendar.

4. What office programs or suites?
I use MSOffice for Word, Excel and Access and write a fair amount of VBA code.  I assume that OpenOffice will be equivalent in functionality even if the implementation is different but have not looked into that yet.

5. What is the best replacement for Quicken?  Am I on track with Gnucash and MoneyDance?

6. I already use some apps that should work the same under Linux - Firefox, VLC, Audacity and TrueCrypt.

Thank you for any opinions, ideas and suggestions.
Larry Wolfson