I want to run Linux ISO from windows

I'm looking to run a linux ISO from within windows 7, say Tiny Core Linux. I have tried StartLinux , and extracted its contents in a folder with the ISO file. It started fine but, after a while, I recieved a blue screen and the computer rebooted. Linux also didn't see the Hard drive, but that was alright (for my limited needs). I have also tried mounting the ISO using Ultraiso, and used StartLinuxCD but the boot never continued in the first place. I also booted Tinycore normally with a USB stick, but it didn't start the GUI, but that's another matter. I have tried downloading Cygwin, but I never understood how it works :S Is their any other way I can run Linux from within windows for a beginner like myself, without problems? I'm looking to do very simple tasks in Linux; like opening the BASH, or getting familiar with the tools, while reading the documentation from Windows or the internet.