I have HD with Win98SE on single partition. I want to add partitions without losing existing installation on shared computer. I hope to install a simple Linux version, perhaps move Win98 elsewhere on the disk later and add another OS. I'm completely new to Linux, and have only fairly basic skill with Windows, so I need a partitioning tool that's as easy to use as possible. Can anybody suggest the most user-friendly prog please. Also, a very easy to use Linux distro? Thank you.

System: desktop PC, P3 550MHz, 128Mb, 15Gb with 12Gb free.

I will agree with the advice provided on LinuxQuestions.
It is not necessary nor would I want to move your existing W98. Be sure to defragment first. gparted is the tool of choice and you can download a live CD which
is recommended.

Ubuntu is becoming the linux distribution for the beginner. Fedora is also good.