These are starting for people around Richmond, Indiana who are ready to try
open source software.

There are lot of options.

• Screencasts. Screencasts are movies, usually about two minutes along, that you can watch right in browser. It's not really "using" Linux yourself, but you can get feel what's it is like to to experience a Linux desktop immediately. See LinClips for Linux desktop screencasts. There will be many options. "Mandriva" is recommended! ubuntuclips.org and UbuntuVideo.com have even more Linux video clips.
• Remote desktops allow you use a computer at another location as if you were sitting at. To try a complete Linux desktop this way, you
  can try the demos from NoMachine.com, or sign up for a free account
  with CosmoPod, allowing you to have own personal Linux desktop you can access
  remotely whenever you want.
• Linux LiveCDs allow you to try a fully functional Linux desktop on a computer that currently runs Windows. All you have to do boot from the CD drive. No software will be installed or modified on your hard drive as part of this. You can download a LiveCD if you a broadband connection. Mark recommends PCLinuxOS as a nice free LiveCD. You can get a LiveCD of the Ubuntu distribution mailed to you for free if
  you just ask for one. Finally, it's quite likely someone local has one they
  would be willing to loan or give away. contact us to find out.
• Open source software that runs directly on Windows
• Open source software that runs directly on Macintosh
• Live Demonstration -- If you ask nicely someone local
  may able willing give you a personal demonstration of their Linux laptop or desktop computer.

You may also be interested in our page on minimum recommended hardware
for a Linux desktop.

If you have questions along the way, contact someone local for assistance.