I just celebrated two years of Linux, having migrated from Win7 to Mint. I haven't looked back yet. Both Open Office and Libre Office have an Office 97 feel to them, and I miss some of the newer features with Word and such, but these products suffice as proper replacements.
Stop using Microsoft products. There are free, open source alternatives to all their products.
Replace Windows with Linux. Replace Word with Libre Office.
I just celebrated two years of Linux, having migrated from Win7 to Mint. I haven't looked back yet. Both Open Office and Libre Office have an Office 97 feel to them, and I miss some of the newer features with Word and such, but these products suffice as proper replacements.
I use Free Office.