Wonderment - Those are exactly my thoughts. I am also a big fan of Linux and use it privately for 99.9% of stuff and if I need Windows for something, normally it is in a virtual machine and gets deleted relatively often. I love your comment below and agree with it:
Using Linux and open source software whenever possible is liberating... the feeling is somewhat like leaving Watchtower slavery and finding that you don't need a frail "faithful and discreet slave" to mediate between you and God. Christ, suddenly has greater value.
Satanus - Yes, Firefox works on Linux as well as Chrome, Google Earth and a bunch of other programs out there and for others you have very good replacements.
Concerning Windows 8 yes, I installed it on my Wife's computer (30€ buy direct from Microsoft). It is a little weird the constant switching between tablet mode and desktop mode.
What I don't like is the ability of Microsoft of deleting stuff that was installed from their store, whenever THEY decide to do so.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/microsoft-can-remove-apps-and-data-from-windows-8-devices/16998
Vivalavida