Solved: How do I backup my system with Win 8?

I have never backed up a full system before, can someone please help walk me through it. I have a new dell laptop that uses Win 8, I have only turned the computer on once since it came in the box so the settings will all be exactly as installed from the factory. I would like to back up everything on my external hard drive (I have a WD My Passport) so in case there is ever any problem with my laptop i will be protected with my external hard drive full backup.

I have asked questions before and they were a bit confusing....does Win 8 offer a program to back up the whole system on the external hard drive? (and maybe backup is not the correct word, so please correct me if i need to "copy" or any other term that i should be using rather than backup)

or are there any programs I should downloand and use for this backup? I would rather not spend money if i dont have to (but if its a must, then I will). In addition to this full backup, I will also be using my WD My Passport to back up my laptop once per week as this comptuer is going to be used for business and I need a backup of the files. I wanted to add that in case it changes peoples opinions about the software I should use for this initial back up.

Again, I have never done this before though I am not a newbie at using a computer either. If anyone can pleaes help walk me though this I would be very thankful!!