Linux distributions, of which Mint is one of the best, are usually obtained as image files, usually with the file designator “.iso” or “.img”. Once you have an image file you then need to burn the image to a DVD disk using Nero or other optical disk application. You then boot the PC with the DVD and choose the option “Run as live disk” to see what is on offer. The live disk running from DVD is much slower than a fully installed version, but you get to see what it will look like. A full install can be done from a running live disk or from an option on the menu when you start the disk.
It is also possible to use the image file to make a bootable USB flash drive which will load and run more quickly than a DVD. A utility to do this can be downloaded from “PendriveLinux”.
Although Linux is less targeted my virus writers, there are a few viruses in the wild, but Claws antivirus software is available and free. Although any Linux distribution will normally continue to run without updates, security issues will be found and patches made available (usually much more quickly than by MS) and regular checks and update routines should be run. On Mint, this entails opening a terminal window (you do have to do a bit of simple reading to learn the Linux system) and entering the commands “apt-get update” and “apt-get upgrade” and selecting “Y” when prompted.