Zorin OS

Long time Win-doze user (currently using Windows 7 Pro x64) - want something more versatile, less resource intensive with more user control. Tried Zorin OS 4 Core and really liked it. Unfortunately, I have become dependant upon a couple of Windows based programs, so would like to run both (dual boot). I am completely new to any Linux OS (altho I have heard nothing but good about Linux for many years). I figure that I'll need extensive help with learning a new OS and this site appears to be the ticket.