[tkjef]

you can follow this guide: http://nknu.net/ubuntu-14-04-exchange-configuration-thunderb...

You'll have exchange setup on Thunderbird with email & calendar.

They recommend using Pidgin for a lync replacement, but I use Sky. And then the address book might require saying you have a mac (to your it department) and getting some specific info or dsquery'ing of your current working windows desktop.

To use internet explorer for your 1 or 2 admin applications just dual boot so that you can always use windows in a pinch.