What partition software for free?

My recommendation is Gparted. It's based on Linux, but don't let that intimidate you if you've never used Linux before. Gparted has a graphical user interface that looks just like any Windows or Mac program, and is very easy to use.

First, however, make certain to back up your drive before you partition it. That is, unless the drive is already empty. Though I've yet to experience a situation where Gparted messed up my existing partition(s), it can happen.

In Windows Vista, 7 or 8 you can use the Disk Manager to shrink/expand/manage partitions

GParted is good, but there is also one built into windows under your computer management in the admin tools (if you are on windows)

I agree on GParted and it is what I use. I noticed you mentioned you are no so tech oriented so I thought I would also mention that you can run GParted right off a CD or USB dirve. You can find out more here http://gparted.sourceforge.net/livecd.php

Also the site above has several suggestions for backup software.

if you install the hard drive into your computer, you can use windows to do it,

http://windows.microsoft.com/is-IS/windows-vista/Create-and-format-a-hard-disk-partition

I usually just go: Start menu> Right click on "Computer" or "My Computer" > Manage> Disk Management> [locate, and click on hard disk]> Right click> Select "New Simple Volume" > follow the wizzard, and then you can calculate how much space you want in that partition, and then do the same for the remaining un-allocated (not used in the first partition) space as another "Simple volume"

Hope this helps.

This is what I have used for years now, free and works. http://download.cnet.com/Easeus-Partition-Master-Home-Edition/3000-2248_4-10863346.html?tag=mncol;2