Trying Linux: live USB, VM, WSL and installation

In short: Linux can be tested without risk: boot from a live USB stick, try it in a virtual machine or use it under Windows as WSL. Only then install it permanently.

In more detail: Most distributions offer an ISO file that you write to a stick and boot the computer from without changing anything.

In detail

1. Download the ISO: from the distribution’s official site, compare the checksum (SHA256).
2. Create a USB stick: Balena Etcher, Rufus (Windows), Ventoy (several ISOs), dd on Linux. The stick is overwritten.
3. Boot: on power-up choose the boot menu (often F12, F10, Esc). With Secure Boot the big distributions support signed loaders.
4. Try it: in live mode test hardware (Wi-Fi, sound, graphics).
5. Install: alongside Windows (dual boot) or the whole disk. Back up first, see Partitions, LVM and encryption (LUKS).
6. After installation: apply updates, check drivers, set up backup (Timeshift), software via the package manager (Package management on Linux at a glance).

• WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux): Linux environment in Windows, ideal for programming. wsl --install.
• Virtual machine: VirtualBox, VMware, GNOME Boxes, see Virtualisation with KVM and QEMU.
• Beginner choice: Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin.
• Wiki help: Mac and Linux compared with Windows for beginners.

See also: Linux distributions: family tree, Release models: fixed, LTS and rolling