I want to switch to Ubuntu Linux for a long time but I have a few programs that I use for work( Solid Works, Pro / Engineer, and most importantly, "personal e-bank" that works only in windows).
Do you know if someone has a version of these programs for linux or at least a good substitute?
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What I would recommend is 1st try using Ubuntu Linux on a USB drive ("thumb drive", "USB key"), you can accomplish this by downloading the ISO file from Download Link and following the accompanying instructions.
Most "Windows only" programs can be run with "Wine" which is available in Ubuntu, although there are some programs that really are "Windows Only" and for this reason some people choose to Dual-Boot (having both Windows and Ubuntu available on the same system).
I know that Solid Works is a CAD program and there are CAD programs available in the Ubuntu Software Center (FreeCAD, PyCAD, QCAD, just to name a few).
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I think that you will find, pretty quickly, that Ubuntu is extremely user friendly for those with just general computer knowledge.  I personally did the dual-boot thing for about a week, before deciding to go ahead with Linux full-time…  I don't miss ANYTHING about Windows.  (and I'm an ex-Microsoft employee!)
