For those who use Linux and from time to time need to use some windows specific programs or gadgets, I have good experiences with VMWARE.
If you are a little tech minded, you can install a 10Gig or 20gig windows install and make it into a vmware appliance.
I regularly run windows xp under my Ubuntu to use the scanner software Epson 660 because the windows driver has a descreen option.
I also do this for my employee because our accounting software subscription in quickbooks online requires windows internet explorer.
See
http://www.vmware.com/products/player/This also works for the opposite, if you have windows and want to try out different linux flavors.