Back up that data

Backing up your computer data is a serious issue, and one you should address if you haven't already.
And it needn't be the pain it seems it might be.
There are a couple of options you can try out, one requires an external hard drive, the other, which, as you're reading this you already have, is an internet connection.
The Secondary Hard Drive (MAC):
If you own a mac, then built into OS/X is an app called "Time Machine" whihc you can configure to back up your hard drive to the secondary hardrive. I know people first hand who have had their machines crash, and when they got their replacement, they plugged in the time machine drive and hey presto, they were back in business with minimal disruption
The Secondary Hard Drive (PC):
On a PC you can use a freeware program such as SyncBack available here:
http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html
Using the internet:
There are several websites that you can use on the web to back up your local data over your internet connection.
Here are few:
Mozy: http://mozy.com/
Drop Box: https://www.dropbox.com/
Carbonite: http://www.carbonite.com/
Box.net: http://www.box.net/