If you don't want to buy a computer just for the purpose of running Linux, you can install Linux on your Windows system. You do this to create what is called a "dual boot" (Linux and Windows) system.
After you install Linux and boot your system, a menu appears allowing you to boot into Windows or boot into Linux!
7 Steps to Install Linux on Windows and Create a Dual Boot System
1. Back up your Windows programs and data
If you make a mistake when you install Linux on Windows you can loose all your Windows programs and data! Also, if you install Linux and then remove it later, you may not be able to boot into Windows.
Some people have run dual boot Linux systems without loosing programs and data, but it's good to know this downside. It's extra incentive to do a backup.
Doing a backup is like buying insurance. If you don't need it, fine. But if you do, you'll be very glad you took this extra step.
2. Get Linux on CD or DVD
Select a Linux distribution (a.k.a. distro) and either download it and burn it to disk or buy it and have it delivered.
Linux Tip: To get Linux delivered, just do an Internet search for "linux cd" and you can have it mailed to you anywhere in the world for a very small fee.
3. Create empty unpartitioned disk space for Linux
Make sure your system has enough empty unpartitioned disk space for Linux. This isn't just free disk space, as seen from within Windows. This is empty disk space that isn't seen from within Windows.
4. Document your Linux installation settings
During the Linux installation, you need to specify some system settings. These include the Linux software programs and desktop(s) you want installed, networking settings, and disk partition sizes.
5. Start the Linux installation routine
To start installing Linux, you need to shut down your system and boot it with Linux CD / DVD number 1.
Some systems are set up to automatically boot from a CD / DVD if there's one in the drive, and some need to have a system setting made. On other systems, you may simply need to hold down a key, like the letter "c" to boot Linux from CD / DVD.
6. Follow the prompts to specify settings and create a user
Linux systems have users and these users have names. You log in with a user name and password to work on a Linux system.
You work as the user named "root" to do Linux system administration. The root user is always created automatically during the installation. However, for security reasons, you should never log in to a Linux desktop as the root user.
As the installation routine runs, you will be asked if you want to create users. Always create at least one "regular" (non-root) user and give this user a password.
7. Have fun!
The Linux operating system is an incredible phenomenon. By getting it, installing it, and running it, you can get tons of experience working with it. Get a mitt and get in the game!
