If worst happened and you lost everything, you could just restore all of your files back onto your computer. As this may take a while, some services will provide you with a CD containing everything you have backed up, though often there is an extra charge of about $20 for this.

The second option is to use a web-based backup service. You can do this from your browser window and, as with web-based e-mail, you have access to your files from any computer with an internet connection. This kind of service will generally provide you with 10-20 MB of file space and is most often free. You can't back up quite as much using this system, but if you just need to back up odd file or two, then this could be best option for you.

Top Tips For Backup:

- Know where your important files are located. - Keep your backup disks safe. - Keep several copies of important data. - Store disks in different locations. - Decide on a backup schedule and stick to it. - START TODAY. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry! - Replace backup disks regularly.

The following are a number of different backup services. Have a look through list - you should find something that works well for you. Remember key is in having a simple system and putting it into practice.

Repeat out loud: Backup, backup, backup!!

Connected http://www.connected.com

FreeDrive http://www.freedrive.com

X Drive http://www.xdrive.com

Driveway http://www.driveway.com

Maxisafe http://www.maxisafe.com

Managed Storage http://www.sgii.com

E-store http://www.e-stor.net

@Backup http://www.backup.com

StoreActive http://www.storactive.net

BackUpNet http://www.backupnet.com

eVault.com http://www.evault.com

MySpace http://www.freediskspace.com

Gosh, it's quiet here in family room. The tick tocking of mantel clock is actually loud! Weird.

Why do I love internet so much? Sometimes I wish I'd never logged on that first time! Days like this! Days when that darn piece of *junk* crashes.

No, that's not true. When I get back that piece of *utter magic*, I'll thank my lucky stars!

I'm hopelessly addicted to internet. Admit it! I've learned so much and have met so many wonderful people. Oh, I fully realize I've got so much more to learn. Like BACKING UP my files. Like doing it on a REGULAR basis.

I'm getting tired. Think I'll put my coat on and step outside onto deck.

It's snowing! There's no wind. *Charlie Brown* snowflakes! Huge ones coming straight down. Tree limbs and evergreens are cloaked with several inches of stuff!

Even more quiet out here. All I hear is high tone in my ears one only notices in total silence. So peaceful. Whiteness all around me and darkness in distance.

Finally at peace and exhausted, I slip back into bed. Life will go on without my computer, I tell myself.

"BUT from now on, I WILL DO A BACK UP every day"!