Can someone give me directions on placing Linux on my computer without effecting Vista?

Question

Basically I want try out Linux without effecting windows someone told me to boot from a disc but I not really sure what to do. I have yet to seleect a version of Linux either.

Answer 1

Have a look. Google is your friend for things like these :)

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_...

Answer 2

Live CD

it runs the linux distro from the CD without actually installing it on your HD, with the option to install if you want to. Many linux distros come like this. Just google "****** Live CD"  with "******" being your distro of choice, to see if one is available.

Answer 3

The latest version of Ubuntu linux is actually all of the things you might want to try, and more: It is a live CD, which means you download (free) the software, burn it as an .iso image file (instructions are available at ubuntu.com), and reboot to test the features before installing. Then if you don't want to install (which can be dual boot, or not) right away, or at all, you reboot your computer, and are right back into windows. Ubuntu is also currently using a program called WUBI (Windows _UB_untu Installer) which will actually give you the above options, as well as the option to install as though ubuntu is an application (meaning dual boot without needing to re-partition your harddrive- technical jargon meaning to create a wall between the different Operating Systems). I suggest trying this, as there is no better, i.e. completely easy and non-destructive way to test linux.