I use Acronis True Image 7 which makes a complete image of whichever drive I want to bakup. I back that up to my second hard drive just for the sake of having it if I want it. What is really important to me is any software and documents that i cant replace i put on second hard drive and that I know I can always reinstall Windows XP from my CD that came with dell. Acronis version 7 has incremental bakups if that is your choice. Everyone is differnet and has differnet needs. I burn what I can to CD's but am going to purchase a  DVD burner soon as the price is going down on burner and discs. Any hard drive could always fail, so you need to keep that in mind also. Let me know what you do and maybe I can learn something from the way you do it.  Michael