What is the best way to get started using Linux? I am tired of Windows forcing me to update. I am not a gamer and only use my computer for browsing the internet and editing text documents etc
The best way to get started using Linux is to choose a distribution that is tailored to your needs. If you are not a gamer and only need a computer for browsing the internet, text editing, and other basic tasks, you might want to consider Ubuntu. It is a popular, user-friendly Linux distribution and provides a great experience for novice users. If you need more advanced features, you might want to consider distributions like Fedora, CentOS, or openSUSE. Once you have chosen a distribution, you can download an ISO image and create a bootable USB drive to install the operating system. You can also use virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMWare to run Linux in a virtual environment. This can be a great way to get familiar with Linux without having to commit to a full installation.
Is there a way I could have both windows and Linux on my computer at once?
Yes it is possible to dual boot your computer.  This is where Linux is installed on one partition, and Windows is installed on another.  When the computer is turned on a boot menu is shown that allows you to select which operating system you wish to boot into.  Although it is called dual booting, it is possible to have more operating systems installed and use the boot menu to access each.

It should be mentioned that if you go down this route it is better to install Windows first as it is known to overwrite boot menus. As well as this most Linux installers will automatically detect and create entries for other operating systems that are found, including Windows.