> > Hi I am using windows xp and need to back up my computer and have a
> > couple basic questions since I have never done this......can I back
> > up everything pictures/music/files? To do so can I back it up to
> > disc's? Or is that silly should I buy an external hard drive if so
> > where to I begin on finding one good for me...any help would be
> > appreciated not a complete bozo can follow directions and figure it
> > out just dont wanna start screwing around with somthing I have not
> > famiuralized myself with first......thank a ton in advance and sorry
> > for my poor spelling skilss LOL
>
> I'm sure you'll get a few good responses here as that's been dicsussed
> quite a few times. However, the best thing to do first might be to go
> to wikipedia.com and look up backup. Try:
>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backup> You'll get a LOT of good reading there and if nothing else more of a
> feel for what the world of backup is all about. It will help you
> phrasing questions for better results too, as you'll likely have a few
> as you finally get going.
>
> DEFINITELY learn how to back up. The very first time you use the
> Restore feature, you will be very glad you did. And you "will" use it,
> believe me, eventually, and likely sooner than later.
>
> IMO, an external hard drive is the best way to go, and occasionally
> (once a month in my case) supplement that with a backup copied onto
> DVDs. I run a Full backup the first of every month and Incremental
> backups every night in between and save them to a 500 Gig external USB
> drive from Western Digital. WD just happens to be the brand I use;
> nothing wrong with all the other brands available, in general. I use
> Roxio software for burning DVDs etc., but Nero is free and so are a few
> others.
>
> If you can spare the cash, there are some good "imaging" programs
> available like Ghost and True Image, easily under $100. And external USB
> drive prices are very reasonable; sometimes under $100 also . IIRC I
> paid $95 for my WD external drive a couple years ago.
> Google and/or wikipedia will help with those, too. If cash is a
> problem, XP's native ntbackup.exe is a perfectly functional and useful
> albeit a little slower and lower featured way to back files up.
> ntbackup is available both in Pro and Home versions but isn't installed
> by default in the Home version. It can also be downloaded right from
> MS's web site. With the exception of the external hard drive, you can
> probably manage everything else without spending any money if you have
> to. Oh, and for a spindle of DVDs to store your periodic permanent
> storage backups on. You'll get a lot of explanation on how often and
> all that to backup in the wikipedia reading of backup; lots of links
> there to many related things.
>
> The Help file for ntbackup will also teach you a lot about your disk
> structure and file structures if you wish to read thru it.
>
> All the best, happy reading, and good luck; you're doing the right
> thing! Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid or dumb
> question is the one that doesn't get asked.
>
> HTH
>
> Twayne
>
>
>