Backups? Yes, you should have backups.

  1. I recommend two backups, both should be automatic.
  2. Get a good external backup device.  Cost will be ~$70-100.  I like Iomega backups, because of the backup software included.  You should backup the entire hard drive.  Then set up incremental backups to run daily at some convenient time when the computer will be turned on.

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  3. You should sign-up for online backups.  Costs will be about $60/year.  I recommend Carbonite or Mozy.
  4. Why both?  More protection.  Don’t trust any backup entirely.  Your quickest retore will be the local one.  But if the lightning strike takes out your backup drive with the computer, you may be left with no backup.  Do both if you can.