I have been a Linux user for the past 16 years and i just move to windows because i need to use some software for my Job.
I am a bit paranoid about windows and trojans, i don't like how windows deal with the users, it makes me feel like i'm idiot each time the system ask me if i really want to do that.
So, let's talk about this, what OS you use, and why it's better for you?
Well 16 years is a good run. I wonder if you:
Tried running your specific job software under wine, or under a virtualbox using the smallest possible windows install?
If you limit the windows usage to just that software, it probably helps a bit down. Be very careful what you add to that windows, for example the recent article about Avast selling user browser's history etc.
Like any virtual machine, at the very least any possible damage could be contained to it (when there is no additional exploit to the VM). Ideally no windows would be best but you already know that.
If your job software does not need internet, that also helps. Configure things in a way that windows never connects outside.
Alternative is to use a separate physical computer for windows, and in that case it should also be restricted to the bare minimum.