I'd like to know how to correctly partition my hard drive and how to create a boot disk from files and folders

i want to install a linux-based OS called Ubuntu but I dont want to get rid of windows that is why id like to partition my hard drive

GParted is a good tool for this.

Good instructions HERE.

Create a blank partition then install Ubuntu on it.

Ubuntu is a bootable Operating System. If you do not want to use your BIOS as the boot manager you would need a boot manager to choose your Operating System to boot.

Here is a little Boot Manager that can run off a floppy:

http://gag.sourceforge.net/

k youre gunna hate me i dont have a floppy drive

and i have no clue how to boot ubuntu from bios

You can also install GAG to your hard drive.

From the BIOS you go into the BIOS Setup > Boot Menu (or Order)

Here you choose which partition to boot.

well how exactly do i get ubuntu to the partition

You download it: http://www.ubuntu.com/

You create an ISO CD from the download.

You boot the ISO CD and when asked where to install it you point to the blank partition.

please realize im an idiot

how would i create and ISO from either a folder or zip

The Download is one big ISO file. 700MB.

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

If you do not have burning software such as Nero to burn Disk Images or ISO's there is this free burner:

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm