It
is possible to have the best of different worlds. This not only speaks my own thoughts as many of our friends (members on this very thread) may have wonderful stories to share sooner, if not later!
Come to think of it, ..
I happen to be on
lubuntu which has proven to be a very light and easily transitioned to distro (distribution) of linux. It certainly outperforms my sleeping (in suspended animation)
XP.
Linux is not completely immune to problems, although when compared side by side with Windows afaik (as-far-as-I-know) it's as nearly malware free as one could imagine. Do seek out (or search for threads by..) The Dark Lord of the Sith (staff member)
@Umbra Polaris whom truly knows the power of the linux side!
Currently, I am typing from Chrome on lubuntu; and although Firefox was chosen by developers as their default browser that installs from the iso disk you may choose to burn, I find the Chrome performs best, the noticeable difference is being able to see the smiley faces here!
Loading linux from the iso lets you try the system out before you decide to install, and that's what I call a best kind of test drive!
You'll be able to find many tutorials both here and on the net, including youtube videos which should bolster your confidence with how-to-download-and-dual-boot-linux-with-Windows.
On Windows 8.1 I've only gotten as far as loading manjaro open box distro into Virtual Box (which I'm still quite a newbie using)
while using the pre-installed Midori
(webkit) browser.
I recommend reading linux descriptions and reviews on softpedia.com. Once there, <click> on the linux tab before you search names such as lubuntu, xubuntu, manjaro, korora, & mint! Mm, don't they sound yummy!?
They're all free.
Finally, here is an article I wish I'd read sooner. It is a very user friendly introduction to the light linux distro, lubuntu.
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2014/02/...-xp-users-should-switch-to-lubuntu-this-april
Happy hunting, and do have fun with it too!