What is the easiest backup utility for backing up your computer to an external hard drive? I've tried Norton Ghost, but it seems to compact the files using its own proprietary file system which I can't get into.

 Take a look at Driveimage XML. It allows for operation off a USB drive without installing any software on the target system. As the name implies, it saves the listing of all files/folders in an easily readable XML file. The application also allows you to select what type of compression you prefer, split/non-split large files and a choice of volume locking or shadow copy to permit live backups of any XP or newer computer.

They have a free version for personal (non-business) use for download - see: http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

 dude i suggest you must try this one its better than norton ghost

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/