I heard about linux mint from some people that really like it. I don't know, I am so confused as to what is the best, all I know I don't want to switch over from Windows unless I am really sure. Can Mint be run from a CD or a flash drive?

You do not switch to GNU/Linux directly. You install Linux with Windows in a Dual Boot. I do not recommend installing Ubuntu from Windows (Wubi).
The best... What is important in a distribution is that it has available many packages (Ubuntu is King) and stability (Ubuntu is not the most stable, except in the LTS versions). But most important is that you choose the desktop that you feel comfortable.
For new user there many ways to test GNU/Linux to get used, for example by Live Pendrives with persistent data (you can install and modify the system and it will remember, if you assigned a lot of space for data). To do this, the motherboard must be able to boot from USB. From Windows you can use this tool:
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/

But for the best experience is recomenadble installing in the disk.

One question Yafu or anyone, I have an 18GB flash drive. I only have around 1GB used. Would I be able to do this and not disturb what is already on there?

I don't think so molly. I thought maybe you could partition the flash drive and install to new partition, but then I don't know if you could boot from that. Interesting question. Any one know?

And yes, Mint can be installed to flash drive or run as LiveCD.

YAFU's advice on dual-booting is recommended also. That's what I did. It allowed me to try several different distros and still have a workable -- albeit Windows -- system.

Make a backup of your flash drive data on a hard drive. LinuxLiveUSB tool then asks if you want to format. Your chosen format. Then you can choose persistently data size around 2GB or 4GB. Do not use the options referred to VirtualBox. Then at the end of process the remaining free space on the flsash drive (FAT32) be able to use for store your data. For example, create a folder called "Data" in the FlashDrive and copy the backup into that folder.
I read that you downloaded the Ubuntu DVD. Not sure if LinuxLiveUSB tool allows you to do from the DVD or only from the CD.
And yes, this method is less stable than have it installed on your hard disk. But it may be useful to test distributions.

The only difference between a CD and a DVD is that the CD only holds 800MB and a DVD holds 4.7GB. Then you can get them that hold 8.GB too.

CD and DVD have different hashes. The tool checks the MD5 and if the version is not supported then not work. Even I do not remember if LinuxLiveUSB Creator only works with 32bit version of Ubuntu. See the list of supported versions:
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/en/supported-linuxes

Remember that booting from LiveCD/DVD have a tool to create LiveUSB. It is somewhat slower than LinuxLiveUSB Creator.

ok, thank you YAFU.
I will work on it, just haven't got started on it yet. still pondering.

Molly,
I have a book I found at my local Library you might find helpful.
Linux Manual: Everything You Need to Get Started with Ubuntu Linux
by Mike Saunders
ISBN-10: 1844259706
ISBN-13: 978-1844259700

looks like a good one. I saw one in Chapters a while back and I think it was over 1000 pages, it sure was thick.

This book is under 200 pages with lots of pictures, excellent for a beginner. I'm enjoying the book because I've only been using Ubuntu for about 6 months, dual booting with Vista.

I'd advise using a flash drive while you're testing Linux.

I just installed Ubuntu as a dual boot on a new system and ran into a BIG problem. The boot manager (GRUB) didn't remember the system that was last booted and always booted Ubuntu. That was a major problem because I was installing GIMP with Python support on Windows. (Rod's tutorial worked perfectly.) Every time I had to reboot, it rebooted into Ubuntu unless I was paying really close attention. ARGH!! Also, I like to turn on my machine and then go to the kitchen for my morning coffee... Can't do anymore.

I ended up removing Ubuntu and had to restore the system's master boot record, which had been changed to run GRUB. Fortunately, Google provided some good tutorials and there's a free program that will restore the boot record.

I'm wiser now and very disappointed by the Ubuntu boot manager. I used better boot managers fifteen years ago when I was actively using three different operating systems. It has really put the brakes on my desire to try Ubuntu - or any other distro.

Just a word to the wise.

bkh1914,
From my limited experience with dual booting Windows / Linux there's nothing wrong with either boot loader. Personally I use Grub and default to Ubuntu. This works for me because if I miss the queue and I wanted Windows, Ubuntu is up and off in 45 sec. If it was Windows and I wanted Ubuntu, I'd go make a sandwich

Good info here, The definitive dual-booting guide
http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_linu ... _first.htm

@bkh1914, If you have GNU/Linux installed and then install Windows, Windows does not recognize at all the installation of GNU/Linux. At least in that respect, Ubuntu is less evil than Windows
http://ubuntuguide.net/let-grub2-rememb ... you-booted

In Kubuntu you can select these options from Systemsettings. I am almost certain that in Ubuntu there are also graphical tools to configure Grub2.
Regards.

Windows was already installed (new system) and I was installing Ubuntu as the second operating system. I know that Windows is very arrogant when it comes to dealing with other operating systems. (Not a MS fan, but I've done too much command line in my life... and card decks... and paper tape readers.)

@YAFU, thanks for that link.

I didn't have the time or patience yesterday to go hunting for the solution.
I'll give it another try in a couple of days.