A-ha !... This is one of the many places where a “Live Version ” comes in. You can try Linux and see how you like it before you commit to anything. IN FACT, I'd recommend experiencing a distro in live mode, for awhile and seeing if you like it before you do anything to your system.

I want to bring up the fact that even if you install Linux but don't use it much..(though a live version works here too) … Linux is a GREAT way to get to your data if Windows has a “meltdown”. Some users are surprised ALL of their data is still there, even when Windows will not even boot into “safe mode”.

When you want to install Linux (if you do), there is an "Install Linux" icon on the desktop, that you'd click to start the process.

Many Linux live versions, even has Gparted by default to setup your partitions (I am working on a section explaining partitions) before you start the process. Although most distrobutions have a friendly interface to setup partitions and do what needs to be done... (I like setting them up with Gparted first.... just my preference.)