OK, I got my 250 gb hd

I formatted it NTSF (it was fat32)

I want to use it to backup two different computers. Therefore, the word "partition" comes to mind!

SO, I go to the "help screens" in Windows Explorer, and they talk all about partitions, except the one vital question - HOW do you make a partition - which I always find MOST frustrating - when they talk about something assuming everyone understands.

SO, I mess around with google, - "How do you partition a hard drive" and come up with three possibilities:

1. Some software, mostly expensive, or

2. Using DOS FDisk in some manner, which seems to have the possibility for screwing up my current HD if I use it wrong, thereby with one improper key stroke destroying the very reason I got the external HD.

3. A variety of unknown free programs, mostly designed for Linux or whatever.

HELP!!

I see "partition magic" (Symantec) mentioned a lot - but - hey - it is $69.95 from Symantec.

There must be an easier (cheaper) way? I downloaded some free program which had a *.tar name, and my windows refused to open it.