I used to create a backup of my entire system to a Zip drive once a week. This soon required two zip disks, then 3 and then a dozen. I switched to tape, which helped for a while. Before too long, however, I found my backups took all night long and required several tape changes. This was getting out of hand - not only did backup require an incredible amount of time, but system was slow while it was running and it was obvious that it would be very difficult to do a restore if it became necessary.

At this point, many people make fatal decision to stop performing backups at all. This is not a good idea, as there are many hazards to health of your computer.

- Hundreds and even thousands of new viruses are created monthly. Any one of these could destroy your system and erase years of work. Even if you have best antivirus software on planet, there is still possibility that a new virus could get through your defenses. A hacker could penetrate your firewalls (assuming you have one) and do whatever he pleased. He could, if he wanted, delete files, modify them or even download them to his own system.

- Your system could be damaged or destroyed by more mundane threats such as water leaking from upstairs bathtub or mice chewing on disk cables.

- You could accidentally delete files yourself.

- A new installation of a program or an operating system upgrade could render your system unusable.

- I have heard tales of lightening striking nearby power poles and rendering systems completely unusable.

So if your system is getting so crowded that is is difficult if not impossible to perform a full backup, what do you do to protect yourself?

4. Don't download just any file off Internet. Be very careful what you download off Net, as files might be laced with viruses (or trojan horses - programs which maliciously give hackers control over your computer). Only download files from sites and merchants you have researched and trust.

5. If you don't want others to have access to your computer while you're away from it, you can enable your screensaver password. You've probably seen this in action in computer stores: you approach this cool computer with a fancy screensaver dancing across screen. When you press a key or move mouse, you get an input box asking you for a password. To set password go to "Display" in "Control Panel" if you're on a Windows PC, then click on "Screensaver" tab. You'll find a checkbox that says "Password Protected" - check it and set your password. By way, this has nothing to do with Internet. It's an "offline" security measure.

6. When you're not using Internet, just disconnect. This will definitely stop hackers... they can't enter through powercord ;-)

Put these tips into action and prevent yourself later hassle and heartache. You'll be pleased to know that these simple steps can eliminate majority of security threats you face as an Internet entrepreneur.

Remember old business adage: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail".