you might want to head over to distrowatch and have a look
http://distrowatch.com/
Though Ubuntu is designed with the VERY new to Linux user in mind
I would recommend that .
http://www.ubuntu.com/

As to your unnamed programs ?
how can we know that without knowing there names .
but Microsoft Windows programs ONLY run on Microsoft Operating systems
So the answer is mostly - no.

Now there might be Linux builds ,but then again without knowing just what they are ?

In modern scenario, all latest Linux distro have capability to install their flavour in any netbook. I don't want to put my suggestions rather tell u my opinion.... In the market, if u want it free, then go for Ubuntu / Fedora (latest version). They both have capability to provide u environment like Windows. And if u want to buy any distro, then I recommend for SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. Undoubetedly, it is easy to operate and with sp1/2 u can work as u worked earlier in windows system. There r more free distro, but I dont want to confuse u.
Now, about ur Windows Application / Softwares.....
Have u heard about WINE (Wine is not an Emulator), this is free and all most all Windows applications / softwares can easily run thru this utility. For DOS related SW(s) like foxpro or dos games, all can run on DOSEMU sw, which is another free small utility. I use both for my daily work. And believe me there is no hassle and without any problems. Ofcourse u can use 'Crossover' for Windows SW/appls. Remember, it is not free.