"It is possible to run Linux without actually installing it on your computer. This is done using a 'Live CD' and is the perfect way to see if you like Linux or if it will run on your computer. Linux runs directly from the CD and nothing is installed on your computer so it is completely safe. The two most popular Live CD Linux distributions are Knoppix and PCLinuxOS.
"The first step is to download or obtain the ISO (also known as 'image') file for the Live CD. Knoppix can be downloaded from http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html and PCLinuxOS can be downloaded from http://www.pclinuxonline.com/pclos/html/download.html..."
" It is possible to try Linux software without having Linux. The major applications included in a Linux distribution are also available for operating systems other than Linux. This gives you the opportunity to run these programs under Windows or Mac OS and try them before installing Linux to see how you like them. Each of these pieces of software is free but there are compelling reasons for using them other than price. Below is an overview of the four most common types of software..."
