Installing Linux
so a rough guide on how to install Linux from Windows is what follows.
first, figure out which Distribution of Linux you want to use. As a beginner I would recommend Ubuntu(Open in new tab)[https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop], or Mint(Open in new tab)[https://linuxmint.com/download.php]. they get widely recommended and generally seem good.
second I'd just download this program called rufus (Open in new tab)[https://rufus.ie/en/]and then run the program, select the .iso file you previously downloaded...then wait for the program to run on the external drive of your choice.
third restart your computer, press f12 key while it is rebooting to get a choice of what boot device you want to use, choose the flash drive.
then you'll be inside the new operating system. you can test it out and see if you like it, and usually there is a guide explaining some of the features and how to install the operating system.
it's fairly straightforward. but of course you can get lost and confused, and that's okay! new things are hard to do for everyone, just take your time and if you make mistakes it's okay!