Experiment with Linux while running Windows using a LiveDVD

There are many reasons to try out or experiment with an operating system other than some version of Windows. Some will do it because it is free, to try an application that will not run on Windows or for simple curiosity.

The road block for some will be the fear of not getting it to work properly or messing up the existing Windows configuration. There are two easy ways around those issues. Run it directly from a CD / DVD drive or from virtual PC / VMware.
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Using a LiveDVD to run Linux

Some distributions of Linux can now be run entirely from the DVD drive without configuring any information on a hard-drive. Versions such as the one distributed by Novell at their openSUSE web-site can run not only the operating system, but extra software like a web browser, games, productivity & desktop tools and applications for word processing & accounting.

In most cases, they will be able to configure networking so Internet access will be possible. While not necessary, reading and writing to the existing drives on the computer will be possible.

Running a LiveDVD is simple. After downloading an ISO image from a web-site and burning it to a DVD, reboot the computer and boot directly from the optical drive. Some of them will provide the option of installing the operating system like daz loader so the existing one can be replaced or configured for a dual-boot.

If a direct boot is chosen, it will attempt to recognize and configure the hardware on the computer. A few questions might be asked like the configuration of the video, audio or network card. Everything should be up and running in less than five minutes depending on the speed of the system.

Using Virtualization to run Linux

A direct boot from a LiveDVD means shutting down the existing operating system to run it. If Virtual PC or VMware is used to boot the DVD however, it becomes easy to go back and forth between Windows and Linux. To speed up the boot process, the LiveDVD can be used to create an image in the virtualization program. Some web-sites offer free downloads of images already configured with Linux distributions SUSE​ or Ubuntu.

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There are many distributions of Linux available, so try to get information about the tools and applications they have and make sure the one chosen supports the hardware on the machine to be used.
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Learning how to use and test Linux, without changing the existing setup of a computer can prove to be very useful. The fact that many corporations are now looking to it because of its performance and cost advantages means that it can open doors for those who take the time to learn how to use it.