Yep, get the live CD, play with it.
Excellent advice.
I agree with everything that has been said about Ubuntu. I am a senior and I have successfully installed three different releases of Ubuntu using the “Ubuntu Forums” and trial and error, (ignorance and chance,LOL) There can be a considerable learning curve depending on how computer literate you are but each release becomes more and more user friendly. There is a new release coming out the end of April, you may want to wait for it. I like Ubuntu well enough that I use it for all of my computer needs, surfing, banking, email etc. If you play computer games you will still need microsoft.