Could I point out that most modern linux distro's have a live mode. You boot from DVD or USB into linux without installing. You can play and test it out before you hit the install option. Please be aware the 'live' version will be a lot slower than a properly installed version.
Live images definitely have their place. I've spent all day trying to get one to load on a machine in the arse end of nowhere
Although in reality, you can then only play with the apps that are included in the Live image, which then means you don't get to play with the really good stuff...
...if you wanna try Linux, and have a spare hard drive, then popping that in for a week or 2, and having a proper test