Some people complain about problems with windows, and some about difficulties with linux.
qtparted is a fairly easy graphical tool in knoppix for partitioning.
If you have just one hd and want to keep windows you should at least make room for a new partition from within windows.
If you have a new second hd you can just leave it blank and use knoppix for creating partitions, or do the partitions in windows for which Partition Magic is a bit better.