Protect Your Data with Vista's Built-In Backup Tool

Hey, I like to pick on Windows Vista as much as anybody, but the reality is that the OS comes packin' some mighty worthwhile tools. One of them is a backup utility, which you can use to quickly and easily archive files, folders, or even your entire hard drive (the latter requires Vista Business or Ultimate; other versions limit you to files and folders). There's even an option to perform automatic, scheduled backups so you don't have to remember to do the job yourself.

It's pretty easy to leverage Vista's backup tool, but if you're not familiar with the process, check out Computer Shopper's guide to backing up with Vista. You'll need some blank CDs or DVDs or, better yet, an external hard drive. (You can also back up to a network drive if you've got one.)

There you go, Vista users: one less excuse for why you're not making regular backups. Get started now before catastrophe strikes.