For learning and experimentatiion Virtual Linux with VM Ware

Safe experimenting can be done on a virtual pc; but it ain't the real thing which you notice when you're using your own machine.
But the real advantage compared to Live Cd's is that you can gather software and build your system to what you like it to be.

Download the free VMPlayer here

Choose the Linux distro you want here

Next Puppy with it's on form of being on your pc without interfering with you system ( no partitioning)