Things You'll Need:
- A Linux LiveCD .iso image
- A blank cd-rom
- CD burning program
- Ubuntu Wubi installation software
- VirtualBox installation software
- Open source programs for Windows
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Step 1
Try a Linux LiveCD
Download a LiveCD image from any of the popular Linux distributions. Using your favorite cd burning software, burn the image to a blank disc. Reboot your computer with the LiveCD in the drive, and Linux will load. You will have a fully functional Linux desktop to try out without any fear of damaging your Windows installation because a LiveCD will not make any changes to files on your hard drive. A LiveCD does have a couple of drawbacks, but they should not discourage you from trying it. First, since a LiveCD does not write anything to your hard drive, any changes you make will be lost the next time you reboot. Second, because a LiveCD Linux is run from a compact disc, it will run more slowly than if it was installed to a hard drive. -
Step 2
Install Ubuntu Wubi
Wubi stands for Windows-based Ubuntu Installer. Just as the name implies, Wubi allows you to install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows PC as if it were a Windows program. Simply navigate your browser to the Wubi install page (http://wubi-installer.org/), click Download Now and follow the instructions. Wubi creates a boot menu that allows you to choose between Windows or Ubuntu when you first power-up your computer. While it does write files to your hard drive (it needs 5 gigabytes), Wubi can be removed just like any other Windows program. -
Step 3
Install with virtualization software
Virtualization software such as VirtualBox or VMWare allows you to create a virtual machine within Windows that can have many different types of operating systems installed within it. Once you create a virtual machine, Linux can be installed into it just like you would on an actual computer. The entire installation is just a file on the host machine. It can be removed without affecting the host operating system. The only drawback of using virtualization software is that your computer needs to have enough memory to run both the host operating system and the virtual operating system. -
Step 4
Install Windows open source software – While this is not an actual way to try out Linux, you can practice using open source software that is common to Windows and Linux. Examples of open source programs common to both operating systems include: Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email client, OpenOffice office suite, The Gimp graphics package, VLC media player, Inkscape illustration package, Scribus desktop publishing, Audacity audio editing and KompoZer WYSIWYG web page design. Install these on your Windows computer and become familiar with their use. When you do attempt to try Linux, you will already be familiar with many of its programs.
