Learn How to Make Free Full-System Backups

We routinely preach the importance of making regular backups. Ah, easier said than done, right? If you haven't actually performed a full-system backup before, the process may seem daunting. In fact, you might not even know where to start.

Here's a good place: Macrium Reflect is a Free and Easy To Use Backup Utility. This step-by-step tutorial shows you everything you need to know about using Macrium Reflect, from installing the program to creating your first backup to setting various options. It's a nice place for novices to start.

And Macrium Reflect itself is an impressive program for a freebie, with handy features like scheduling, rescue-CD creation, and even network support.

Of course, most users will want to use it with an external hard drive. Here's an Iomega 1-terabyte USB drive for just $97.99 shipped from Buy.com. With that drive and this software, you're well on your way to a solid backup solution.

More on backups:

• How to Back Up Your Data (Free of Charge)
• Five Free Ways to Recover Lost Data
• Three Free Backup Programs for Windows