I’ve been Windows person for as long as I can remember . . . but I’ve often wondered about Linux . . . and whether it might be right for me.  However, I was always reluctant to dedicate a computer (or even a partition) to a Linux installation, which sounded too complicated to me.

Now, I’ve found a way to try out Linux without installing or changing anthing on my computer.  Here’s how to do it:

• Download the Ubuntu Linux 8.10 .iso file here: [Download not found]. (Be forewarned . . . it’s a big download.  You might want to start it just before you go to bed and let it download overnight).
• Burn the .iso file to a CD-ROM, using Roxio, Nero, or whatever CD burning software you have.  (If you don’t have any .iso burning software, there is freeware, such as IsoBurner, that can be found if you do a Google search).
• Boot your computer from the CD that you just created.

That’s it.  (If you want, you can also use the CD to install Ubuntu Linux as an application within Windows).

The CD you create includes Firefox, an email program called Evolution, a softphone for VOIP communication, and a BitTorrent client.  You’ll also find a version of OpenOffice (word processing, spreadsheet, drawing, and presentation applications), F-Spot photo manager, a version of the GIMP for photo and graphics editing, a movie player, the Rhythmbox Music Player, a sound recorder, and a disc burning application.  (You can, of course, download a bunch of additional free applications.  (Just go to the Add/Remove option on the Applications menu).

After you give Ubuntu Linux a try, please leave a comment and let us know what you think of it.