The best way to test Linux is either use a Live CD or use Virtual BOX. 

Noticed Windows running on MAC at iStores etc. thats VM Ware or Virtual BOX

Oracle VM VirtualBox is an x86 virtualization software package, originally created by software company innotek GmbH, purchased by Sun Microsystems, and now developed by Oracle Corporation as part of its family of virtualization products. It is installed on an existing host operating system; within this application, additional guest operating systems, each known as a Guest OS, can be loaded and run, each with its own virtual environment.

tip: to make your machine robust and secure install Linux and tun your favorite OS (even Windows if you prefer to stay closed :P ) on VM Ware or Oracle VM Virtual BOX. This will kill all the virus attacking system and you don't need to install any firewall or anti-virus.

Note:1. I would recommend atleast 2 GB RAM, if you using Windows as an Host operating system as Windows is pretty slower

To install Virtual BOX :

• Download form http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads 
• Select the type of Machine x86, amd etc. and type of OS
• Install the software
• check out the video

More to come on virtual box and Linux soon...

Singing off...
Hustlershack..