will other window based programs work with Linux operating system

1. In WINE yes, they will (wine is a windows compatibility program for Linux), but you don't want to put them there, they would defeat the purpose of using Linux in the first place as they are not free, or open source, they are buggy, they have bad security holes, etc. Use Firefox, which comes with most Linux distributions as your web-browser, it is free and open source, fast, and secure.
   www.mozilla.com

   For your office work, use OpenOffice, it is free and open source, fast, and secure and provides all of the same features as Microsoft Office, with a familiar interface, and many new features.
   www.openoffice.org

   Welcome to the Linux Community by the way. We are glad to have you, feel free to ask any more questions you may have.

2. No.. it has to be writen for Linux. For Office software check out http://www.openoffice.org

Tags: linux, linux file system