You can test Ubuntu linux from a USB flash drive. You can start with this tutorial. This one is for Windows so I don't have experience with it. I am on a Mac. It's not hard, just be willing to learn. You will most likely be surprised by Linux. Let me know if you have questions, I'll do my best to help. Cheers!
https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows#1-overview