linex drivers for t61? windows only progs on Linex?

[cadmus]

Deep in my heart I want to use Linex instead windows. But AutoCad, ArcInfo, ArcGIS, and other products I need are windows only, not to mention every school/workplace I attend is windows based. I am starting a graduate program in conservation bio, again not a good time to switch.
I just bought a t61 widescreen, like it but have posted my troubles about vista on this tread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=48373

My question for you linex gurus:
1- Has anyone had success running AutoCAD(older ones like 2002), arcView, Arc Info, Arc GIS, SAS (isn't supported on vista home premium), SPSS, MSOffice 2003 (yeah i know, i have to use these as it is the standard in my lab and i am too busy to learn now products), WYNN, EasyReader on a Linux system with or without a GUI?
2-Then will Linux run all the drivers on my t61 14"widescreen as seen below in my signature?
3- If I reformat and start from scratch with Linux what drivers do I need to restore my thinkpad’s features. I only saw one on the Lenovo site.
Thanks, Pete

[whizkid]

With all the software you need or want to use, I suggest you just keep using Windows, and use VirtualPC or VMWare and run a virtual Linux machine on your Windows desktop. That should work well for you, and let you try out Linux.

[cadmus]

Ok, does anyone know if virtual PC runs on vista Home Premium?

[lightweight]

Some suggestions:

1) If you are very attached to those particular programs, do not want to learn new interfaces and find Vista crashes, wouldn't Windows XP or 2000 make the most sense?

2) If you want to try Linux -- and you should! -- your chances of happiness increases if you accept a bit of learning curve. Better to find equivalent programs than run those programs in an emulator under Linux: Openoffice.org instead of MS Office (reads and writes .doc, .xls, .ppt, etc), for example. Older AutoCAD can run under the emulator WiNE, though. Seeking The Google should help with replacements for the rest -- lots of folks who convert to open source contribute by making pages and howtos on the net.