This is no disrespect or to bag MS, but hopefully there are now more choices.

If you have a dedicated PC that is working your program with XP, why then the upgrade ? ( if it ain't broken don't fix it - principle )

Researching Linux/Ubuntu
It depends on one's own current racing program's infrastructure.
Is it Operating System tangible ?
Meaning, can it work in a non MS environment ?

OK,
Q: But what about the MS Office/Excel and VBA issue ?

A:Current research:
http://www.liberiangeek.net/2012/06...using-wine-1-5/

or

http://rmitc.org/2013/04/ultimate-m...comment-page-1/

or

Google How to install Office 2010 in UBUNTU