I’d suggest the hands on approach personally. It may take some time to get up though.

You can install a distro onto a USB stick and boot from it to play around and see if you like it.

Here’s a quick tutorial:
https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/latest/preparing-boot-media/

And separately the distro I’d reccomemd using:
https://fedoraproject.org/spins/kde/

After you create the live CD you should be able to keep it plugged in and boot to using this method from howtogeek:
https://www.howtogeek.com/129815/beginner-geek-how-to-change-the-boot-order-in-your-computers-bios/

To be clear if you stop there Linux will not installed, you won’t lose any data, and you can just unplug the USB stick to allow windows to boot up when you restart.

One note, sinceit’s installed to a USB stick it’ll be a bit slower than if you installed it on your PC. Still though, it’ll be the same idea.

Here’s a full guide on how to install it:

https://www.howtogeek.com/693588/how-to-install-linux/

The biggest change from the Windows world will be the different interfaces to choose from. While they’re one of the best features of Linux, the number of choices and strong opinions on the matter can be overwhelming to new users. And everyone in the community is certain that theirs is the best. Don’t stress out about picking the “right” one. You can always change it later (especially if you choose something Ubuntu based). Pick one that has a large user base, good community, and excellent documentation. My recommendation would be Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Linux comes in many different flavors, or “Distributions”. Often shortened to “Distros”. The most obvious difference between Distros is the interface (or “Desktop Environment” or “DE”). It’s not the only thing that sets them apart, but it’s the most noticeable.

I would recommend Ubuntu or any one of it’s variants. The best variants (in my opinion) are Linux mint and Linux Lite. Linux Lite having the most “Windows like” interface. Linux Lite also has additional tools to install common programs that Windows users are accustomed to. Ones that don’t come with other Distros by default.

Until recently Ubuntu used an interface called “Unity”. As of the last couple of releases, they have switched to Gnome. However, they’ve made gnome look a lot like Unity, so you should be able to follow instructions you find on the internet without too much trouble.

Gnome has a ton of customizations available via the “Gnome extensions” website. If you’re willing to relearn how to interact with your computer’s interface, it’s a good fit for someone who wants customization.

Here’s a good article with the basics of getting up and running with Ubuntu.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/migrating-from-windows-7-to-ubuntu/

Here’s Ubuntu’s website for downloading and documentation:

https://www.ubuntu.com/desktop

The official “Getting starting” guide:

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/try-ubuntu-before-you-install#0

Here’s the list of official Ubuntu Distributions:

https://www.ubuntu.com/download/flavours

Here’s a great article explaining the difference between the official Ubuntu Distribution (written by an awesome Redditor Killyourfm):

“Forbes: Linux For Beginners: Understanding The Many Versions Of Ubuntu”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2018/11/28/linux-for-beginners-understanding-the-many-versions-of-ubuntu/

Here’s the official install guide:

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/tutorial-install-ubuntu-desktop#0

An install guide for Dual Booting:

http://linuxiumcomau.blogspot.com/2018/04/installing-ubuntu-along-side-windows-ie.html?m=1

And here’s Linux Lite’s official page:

https://www.linuxliteos.com/

Gnome extensions:

https://extensions.gnome.org/

additionally to what everyone says: make a list of programs you use/need and look for alternatives on Linux

Like word -> web word/libreoffice/softmaker

Then before switching make sure you have a way back into windows in case you forgot some important files (no backup, no mercy)

simply boot from usb for testing distros/desktop enviroments as linux does not need a pc install to run

I think the joke is that a vocal chunk of the user base here also uses Linux

You should use Linux with auto updates enabled or I’m gonna hack you