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| To try linux create bootable media, most likely a USB now but could be a dvd.
Download Linux version as an ISO. I would suggest Linux Mint Cinnamon edition because it is most like Windows. https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/burn.h...
For making bootable media.
I like Ventoy https://www.ventoy.net/en/index.html . It is more versatile and can put more than one operating system on a USB and boot into your choice. Some other similar programs for creating bootable media: https://rufus.ie/en/ also see https://www.maketecheasier.com/use-rufus-create-bootable-flash-drive... Etcher is another one that Linux Mint recommends https://etcher.balena.io/
Assuming you now have a bootable USB, restart your computer. If it still boots into Windows, you will have to change your boot order. Each computer has a special key to press when booting to enter the bios. Change the boot order so USB is first then hard disk drive. This article has a list of bios keys. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bios-keys-to-access-your-firmwa... . Another article on changing the boot order. https://www.lifewire.com/change-the-boot-order-in-bios-2624528
You should now have Linux Mint running in "Live" mode. This means any changes you make now will not be saved, once Mint is installed the changes will be saved. I would look around and see what programs are already installed. Firefox for internet, LibreOffice for spreadsheets, documents, and more. If you click the menu button in lower left, go to Administration, Software Manager to see what else is available.
A little information on dual booting https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/creating-a-dual-boot-system-with-linux... I have read it is best to have a separate drive if dual booting. I believe internet opinion suggests Windows is not aware of any other operating system and can create problems. With only one disk MS assumes it is Windows and overwrites without warning. With two disks Windows is happy with its disk and assumes the second disk is data and doesn't bother it. With the correct boot order Linux grub (used to load operating system) is windows aware and you are able to choose operating system. https://itsfoss.com/what-is-grub/
Guide for installing Mint https://www.tecmint.com/install-linux-mint-cinnamon/
The main caution when searching for a Linux computer is make sure Linux drivers are available for your hardware. Usually not a problem, but may happen with relative new hardware or sometimes companies don't feel its worth their time to write the drivers and don't provide necessary information. https://www.techradar.com/best/linux-pc
When I switched to Linux, I had a Lenovo mini desktop with Windows 10. I purchased a external SSD with a USB-C connection. I think during installation I chose something else to create partitions for boot, root "/", home "/home" and swap. Internet opinion is swap partition is unnecessary since Linux Mint creates a swap file instead. I would definitely put the home directory (data and settings) in a separate partition as it makes it easier to install a different Linux version or reinstall if necessary. I guess my preference would be a large enough SSD and partition it into a root (Linux) partition and a home (data) partition for most things. I would use a HDD for data backup or large files, pictures, etc.
Attached a pic of SDD using gparted to show partitions
 (Screenshot from 2023-07-28 01-47-40 (full).png)
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 Screenshot from 2023-07-28 01-47-40 (full).png (36KB - 221 downloads)
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New computer what to look for
