Many people are intrigued by the idea of using another operating system
. The biggest concern is the fact that in trying the latest operating system that this Windows installment will in some way be messed up. There are some means of trying the latest operating system like Ubuntu without touching Windows.
You can try Ubuntu with a Live CD.
One method is always to download and burn what is known as a Live CD. Unless you understand how to download and burn this CD, it's possible to request a totally free CD from Ubuntu or sometimes find free ones at computer shops.
When you have this CD use it into your computer and switch off your equipment. Whenever you turn it back on you will observe a screen asking if you wish to set up and try Ubuntu. Don't be concerned about the word "install" as you cannot accidentally do the installation if you don't want to. The entire operating-system will run off the CD allowing you to look it over without messing up Windows.
You may also try Ubuntu inside a virtual machine.
Another option is to chance a virtual machine. This can be a lot more complex. Download a free of charge system called Virtual Box. After it's opened and running begin New "machine". Set it up with at least 512 megs of ram, 32 meg of video ram, and set an arbitrary level of hard drive space as this doesn't matter right this moment.
You can add the iso image that you simply downloaded from Ubuntu towards the CD-rom in the virtual machine and boot up.
This will let you play around with Ubuntu while booted up in Windows without installing anything.
Note that either of the methods will not displaying you Ubuntu in it's full rates of speed. When Ubuntu is actually installed for your machine it is going to run faster.