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It is possible to install Ubuntu on a machine that already has Windows on it (dual-booting), but the difficulty is in making the space available for the linux partition.

I read that the Windows disk management can handle shrinking the Windows partition in order to make room for Linux.

This article explains how to do it with Windows 7 Disk Management.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/gg309169.aspx

Here is an article about how to install Win 7 and Ubuntu side by side.

http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/dual-boot-windows-7-ubuntu.html

Although the article recommends using linux’s GPARTED, I would avoid using a linux tool because I consider Microsoft’s own tool to be safer.

If all you’re looking for is Open Office and websurfing, probably 20 GB should be sufficient for a partition size, but if you have more that you don’t mind Windows 7 losing it.

I would recommend that you do a full backup of the computer before attempting the disk shrinking and Ubuntu install. I generally would trust Windows and Ubuntu to play nice together, but you never know how things work out.

While installing Ubuntu, avoid using full disk encryption. I had that backfire on me once before and lost a linux machine when the private key got corrupted.

The Ubuntu disk manager on the installer should be able to detect the Windows 7 partition and give you the option to wipe or install on the now vacant partition.

In the installer, you can tell GRUB (the linux booter) to make Windows 7 available as a boot option. Linux has to be in control of the boot options.

Ubuntu is probably the best version of linux to use if you’re new to linux. I’ve been using linux since 1993, and even as a pro, I would use it.

And let me reiterate: make a good backup.

Good luck!