what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

With all my hard work of wedding research and scanning pictures, I'm so afraid I'd lose it all if my computer crashed or got a virus

What's the best back-up device? I have a CD burner - how would I save ALL of my documents? Or is a zip-drive the best?

Thanks!

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

My computer actually did go floppy Luckily the guys at Gateway got all my info before the took EVERYTHING out. You can use a disk or a cd. But definatley do it!!! I almost passed out with the thought of having to get all the info.) My ENTIRE guest list WITH addresses are on my computer!

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

Works recommends we use a CD. A CD can hold about 10x more than a zip file can. Definitely back up - we do it monthly, but do it weekly if you're doing something critical.

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

Sorry - missed the rest of your post.

If your documents are all in one place, you can just copy that folder over to the CD. If you have stuff everywhere, you're better off copying your entire hard drive over.

Best of Luck!!

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

I have all of my pictures in about 2 different places. Do you mind explaining how I can copy my entire hard drive at once?

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

Teri,

Put the blank CD in the drive and make sure to format it.

Go into Windows Explorer(start-programs-expolorer).

On the left side double click the drive where all your information in. Now all the files should show up on the right side of the screen. . Now you are going to click the files on the right that you want and then drag them over to the left side onto the CD. I hope that made sense to you. TO click on more than one file at a time, hold the control button down on the keyboard and click the individual files. Let me know if you need anymore help.

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

Thanks Jodi - please don't think I'm a moran, but how do I format a blank CD? Then, once I move all the files on to the CD option on the left, I just save everything onto the disc?

Thanks again!

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

Well when I put a blank CD into the drive, something automatically comes up and asks about formatting. Have you ever burned a CD yet?

Also as soon as you move the stuff to the left side (CD drive) it is on the disc.

Re: what's the best way to save data in case your computer crashes?

Definetely burn a CD-it holds the most data! Unless you have a removable hard drive back up!