Here are some possible ways:
- Install a VM (eg. VirtualBox or VMware) and a lightweight Linux
- Install both systems on your system
- Use a life disc / life medium (eg. usb stick); there you can run linux without changing your computer
- Linux Mint supports an installation of Linux Mint on your windows (mint4win¹)
¹ This seems to have some issues on win xp.
Documentation:
- Install Linux Mint on Your Windows Computer or Netbook
- Guide To Install Linux Mint 16 In Dual Boot With Windows
- For Newcomers - How to Install and Dual Boot Linux Mint 16 Onto a Windows 8 System (With UEFI)
- How to install Ubuntu/Linux Mint upon Windows using Wubi/Mint4Win?
- Universal USB Installer, Install, Run Linux From USB
- Run Linux Mint 9 from a USB Flash Drive
- Install Linux on USB drive
- Install Linux Mint On USB Drive And Walk With It: Portable Linux Mint
Btw. you can always run LM in Live-mode (without changing something on your system): Just install the ISO onto your USB drive and boot in live mode. But in this case, your settings are lost if you shut down the system (however you can write files etc. to your harddrive).