Programs on Mint

[Kaye]

I would advise you to attempt to find Linux-compatible alternatives rather than use wine simply for stability reasons. Plus it's much easier.
There are many websites that list alternatives to Windows software. A quick google search will yield more specific results for you.
If you really want wine, you can download the "stable" version at WineHQ.

[Lantesh]

I think one of the hardest things for a new Linux convert to get past is that you basically have to accept that you aren't going to use the same programs that you used to. Sure Wine provides some of this functionality, but in general it's just best to move on and find new programs, and honestly you will happier once you have. For those Windows programs that you just can't live without you might want to consider keeping a Windows partition, and dual boot. I've been using Linux for 2 1/2 years now, but I still keep a Win XP partition for games. I don't boot into it often, but it's there when I want it.

[Kaye]

I think one of the hardest things for a new Linux convert to get past is that you basically have to accept that you aren't going to use the same programs that you used to. Sure Wine provides some of this functionality, but in general it's just best to move on and find new programs, and honestly you will happier once you have. For those Windows programs that you just can't live without you might want to consider keeping a Windows partition, and dual boot. I've been using Linux for 2 1/2 years now, but I still keep a Win XP partition for games. I don't boot into it often, but it's there when I want it.

Exactly. My Vista partition is there for iPhone syncing and that's about it.