Give one of the Linux distributions a try with a live CD. It will run from your CD drive but not alter the hard drive unless you end up installing the Linux distribution. When using a live CD, however,
note that everything runs slower than when the Linux is actually installed on the hard drive. If you do decide to install Linux on your laptop, you can make a so-called "dual boot." I.e., when your computer turns on you can choose either Linux or Windows.
Most of the popular Linux distributions have live CDs. Note that you should read and pay attention to the instructions for burning an ISO and how to boot from the CD/DVD drive that will be somewhere on the Linux distribution's web site.
Linux is not Windows, so there will be a learning curve to get used to how some things work. But if you stick with it, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much free software is available and how much more secure your computer is. Also, in the case of my IBM ThinkPad T-40, Linux Mint 4.0 is fantastically faster than Windows was on it.
I'm a grandpa who has been retired for almost 10 years, not a computer geek. I paid attention to directions, got help through many of the excellent forums available to Linux users (the first to look at are the distribution's page), and will never use the high priced products on my computers again. The major programs I use are OpenOffice.org (word processing), GIMP (photo editing), gFTP (for communicating with my web site), Firefox 3.0.1, Google Earth,VLC (video and DVD viewing) and Rhythmbox (music). I'm not into gaming, so I can't evaluate how Linux does with games (not so good if what I read is correct).
Here are some popular, free, excellent Linux distributions that come with live CDs. Ubuntu (probably the most popular today), Linux Mint (derived from Ubuntu but has some slick modifications), openSUSE (get the KDE version since it in my opinion is a little better than the Gnome version), PClinuxOS (aka PClos), Fedora, and Mandriva. You could try all of these before deciding which is best for your laptop and which you like the best.
Enjoy!
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