Windows 2000 Pro, Windows XP Home and Windows XP Pro are more powerful operating systems based on the original Windows NT engine.  More powerful also means more complicated.  Backup routines are more involved and require a little more effort. 

Over the summer of 2003, several virus appeared and exploited flaws in Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Internet Explorer systems.  Microsoft issued critical updates and patches in attempt to secure the apparent security breaches within their software.  Antivirus software companies updated their programs to protect and defend against new types of viruses.

The popularity and low cost of DSL and cable internet services have increased the risk for Windows systems to be compromised.

Bottom line:

The systems are vulnerable to virus and hacker attack.

Backup systems, firewalls and antivirus software are no longer an option.

Make a list of all of your important computer files and back them up. There are many types of media that you can use to backup (copy) your files. These include

• Floppy disks (limited to 1.44 MB of information)
• Zip Disks (limited to the capacity of your zip drive and disk system) (100 MB, 250 MB, 750 MB)
• CD ROM (limited 650 -700 MB depending on drive, software and media used)
• Recordable DVD
• USB Thumb Drive (Flash drives)
• Tape Cartridges
• External Hard Drive
• Secondary Hard Drive
• Second computer
• Internet Backup

You can "copy"  the information to the other media

You can "burn" the information using CD-R or CDRW or DVD-R media and appropriate CD/DVD burning software.   Ahead Nero and Roxio EZ-CD Creator are two of the most popular titles

You can use Windows built-in backup programs.

You can purchase and install additional backup programs and utilities. 

The best backups include all files within your system. 

• All files means 100% of everything in your computer:
• Programs
• Drivers
• MY DOCUMENTS
• MY MUSIC
• Downloaded program files and patches
• Email messages
• All other information in the computer

Don't forget about other users that also use the computer, your spouse, children, co workers, etc.

Backup using windows backup

Create an emergency repair disk

Copy the registry to the repair directory

backup the system state

Install the Recovery Console

Install the Recovery Console

Install the Recovery Console

Use the System Restore Console