Linux & compatibility with popular software

I am contemplating purchasing a new computer (Asus) and have been told that  Linux is a much more stable system than Windows.  I am so tired of waiting for 15 minutes for my computer to boot up with all the security programs that I have installed.  Does Linux have the same problems with Viruses and malware as Windows?  Is it compatible with the Free Office program that can be downloaded from the internet?  Will it run Adobe Reader, Power Point Viewer, music programs, Quick Books, etc?  I haven't used the Free Office program but from what I understand it will interface with Word Perfect and Microsoft Office.  Thanks

Linux does not have problems with viruses and malware, ( unless you run as Root, which is not advisable).
Open office is the best program to run on Linux, and interfaces well with Microsoft Office.
Adobe reader works with Linux, music should be no problem, but I do not know anything about Quick books.
Remember though that Linux is not Windows and will require a different way of doing things, but is not to big a learning curve.

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/
Download iso file and install to CD, then boot to CD and run without installing (you'll see the menu items first).  This is called Ubuntu Live CD.  I'm actually running that right now on a P4-3GHz-2MB RAM.  All apps and Firefox are included.  You can try it, see if everything functions and then install it on your current computer.  It is quite a bit different from Windows, but not all that difficult to navigate.

Thank you --- Am a novice to computer --- wish to try out Ubuntu --- Read so much good about it ---
Could you please give me a few useful tips --- An Ubuntu CD is on its way to me from Shipit --- wish to know of any intricacies useful to an old man who had been laughed at by I T youngsters when asked for their help.
Thank you very much indeed.