Linux supports desktops like LXDE which can look very much like OS X (or Windows). LibreOffice is a viable alternative to MS Office. As for development work,

Linux supports desktops like LXDE which can look very much like OS X (or Windows). LibreOffice is a viable alternative to MS Office. As for development work, most tools are available on Linux. Obviously if you are developing for iPad, iPhone then you are better off with Apple hardware, OS X & X-Code.