Or you could download the linux ISOs and load them into Hyper V (as
local installation source) which is part of Windows so you can try Linux

from within the Windows 10 desktop?

Yes thats correct

Whilst I've run Linux in a VB VM and container, it all adds to the
complexity and more of a risk of trashing the host OS by mistake than
running say a live DVD/USB or even running it on a USB attached drive
(once installed etc).

Thta has not been my experience. as long as teh test OS is within a VM,
I struggle to see how you can trash the Host OS? If you trash within the
VM, thats OK as you can then delete the virtual machine and start again
with a new VM.

You do have to turn off Secure Boot setting or Linux won't load within
Hyper-V

And that can then cause an issue for Windows. ;-(

No, I was talking about the Secure boot within the Hyper-v manaager for
when you create the new VM, not the secure boot setting in teh BIOS
which is for the Host OS.

You can then delete the VM if you don't like that flavour of Linux or if
you do,

Yes, it is easier running it on a VM for that.

you can then go the whole hog and install linux on your disk of
choice and boot off that.

That's what I do here on a couple of PC's. I have removable SATA
drives and can mix n match easily with no risk to the 'other' OS's.

Uh Huh.

Another way is to download & create a LiveDVD/CD and boot off that but
it then is in Read only mode and does not write anything to your
physical disks

Yeah, I suggested that above and is something I have often left with
others (LiveDVD) both for them and me either to play with on their
machines or to use as an emergency repair tool.

Yes, like Hirens Boot CD or Darik's Boot 'n' Nuke!

I can generally get people to boot a LiveDVD (remotely, by phone etc),
get online (if Wireless), download, 'install' and run Teamviewer (that
is actually the Windows version running in WINE) and then get access
to their machine, in one instance, actually installing Linux for them
remotely. ;-)
Cheers, T i m