While we may sometimes use such terms since Lemmy is populated mostly by tech-savvy people, it's absolutely not required for you to be one to successfully install and operate Linux!
I'll tell you what to do.
But first, a quick explainer on the terms, so you could get savvier too. It is in no way super required for you to be on Linux, but you'll be able to understand talks made here way easier:
1.Mint and Manjaro are so-called distributions of Linux.
Unlike Windows, which is a full complete system, Linux is modular and is based on the Linux kernel - basically a core of an operating system doing the most important and complicated things. And then on top of that there is a lot of other code that makes slight changes on how it all works called the distribution. Don't worry - all Linux distribution are good and compatible with each other, so your pick is mostly one of personal liking.
2.VM - virtual machine. Basically software that allows you to launch operating system within an operating system. With virtual machines, you can launch Linux out of Windows, Windows out of Linux, and any other combination with pretty much any operating system you can imagine. VMs are good for checking something out or when you really really need something in another operating system (very advanced stuff). In fact, you can try out Linux using a VM - just load an image (more on that below) into program like VirtualBox and you're all set. Still, VMs are limiting, and for a much better experience I recommend you to go for a Linux install (more on that below).
3.Dualboot - a type of operating system install that lets you choose which operating system to go to when you turn your computer on. For example, I'm on Linux full-time, but if for some reason I'll need to turn on my PC and go to Windows, I can. And so could you.
Now, install!
This part is super easy.
First, you need a USB flash drive (8+GB) and a flashing software like Balena Etcher. Download and install it.
Then, you need to choose system image - basically, what you'll put on your USB stick and what will end up on your computer. Images for Linux Mint are here. They only differ in looks and performance, but if your computer runs modern Windows, you can take anything you like. Cinnamon is the most common. Images for Manjaro are here - if prompted to choose architecture, take x86_64. Choice of image is - again - matter of looks, just don't go i3 or Sway, those are advanced. I recommend going with the most default option - Plasma Desktop, i.e. KDE. Pick just one - either Mint or Manjaro, whatever you'd like, both are excellent choices. Unsure? Mint is most common recommendation, but looks a little Windows 7-ey. Manjaro with Plasma is super sexy and incredibly snappy, but it'd benefit from you learning more basics about Linux. Still, very good as it is.
Then, put your drive in, open Balena Etcher, pick image, pick your USB, flash. After success, reboot your PC and load into flash drive (you might want to press F8 or other button depending on motherboard when computer turns on again so that it doesn't just load into Windows instead). Boom! You're in a live version of Linux. It is very limited, it runs off your flash drive, but you'll already get to see how it looks. Now desktop will have an icon saying "Install ...", press it and install the system. The installation program is super intuitive and tells you everything you need to know. The only dangerous part is partitioning - you should make sure installation program detected Windows and will not overwrite it (assuming you still need it) - it'll remind you of that, don't worry. Ideally, you should install Linux on another physical drive (you'll be able to choose it), but that's not strictly required. Then you wait and...
...BOOM! Now every time you turn your PC on, you can choose whether to use Linux or Windows. If anything is not clear, there's a million of very friendly guides on every aspect of what I just said, including the scariest parts. Go ahead, try it out! You won't regret.
To anyone who reads this: I know everyone talks about Linux around Lemmy, and that you've already been offered to install Linux a million times.
I understand how much it puts you off.
But this time, give a try. For real. Try it, there's nothing to lose.
The reason we don't ever shut up about it is because Linux is just so much better that many of us don't imagine how we lived without it. Unironically.
Spend a week on Linux. Install Mint, or Manjaro, and run them - not in VM, use dualboot. You can easily delete Linux afterwards if you don't like it, straight out of Windows. Run it for a week.
No, he didn't try and was afraid to break something.
Linux is easier to install than Windows, it takes 5 minutes of your time without any special knowledge to install any distro through Calamares, which is now a standard for most of them.
The reason Windows is the king is that it's a "standard" and comes pre-installed on most computers today. Most users simply never face Windows installation process.
Solution? Preinstall Linux! A few laptops actually are now shipped with Linux preinstalled, and that's a good, even if humble, beginning.
There are always Armenia and Georgia, but they are already overburdened with Russians.
There are Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, there is Azerbaijan, there is Kyrgyzstan, there is Mongolia, there is Serbia, there is Thailand, there are less obvious/more expensive/more extreme options like Equador, Palestine (eh), the Bahamas, Mauritius, Marocco, Panama, and there are unrecognized countries like South Osetia, Abkhazia, Transnistria.
And if you have time to prepare visa in advance there are many, many more options.
Being banned from somewhere doesn't prove you right or wrong. It just means those particular people are angry at you, rightfully or not.
Just a subtle reminder because fascists and nazis themselves regularly use such kinds of phrases. Doesn't make them any more right or honorable.
Do what is right, and always strive for freedom, and you'll be good :)