I am not sure if I have talked about backups before. But I recommend 2 solutions to people. None of them involve, Floppies, CD's, or Tapes. Because all of those require some sort of routine.

Connected - Connected is an online backup solution. Anyone reading this site most likely has broadband cable. And this solution works even over dialup. The idea is it sits on your computer and automatically once a day looks at what files have changed, and sends them to a secure server over the internet. The data is encrypted with your password, so only you can retreive it. And is sent over the internet in a secure encrypted channel... so its encrypted twice during its travels over the internet. They have a perfect plan that just backs up the "My Documents" folder, and QUICKEN! So many people call me asking for "Disk Rescue" services because their hard drive crashed.

Maxtor OneTouch - This is an external hard drive, that plugs in via USB 2.0 or FireWire. It is VERY quiet, and has a little blue button on the front of it. After you install the software. All you do to backup the system is push the button.

Trust me. A Hard Disk is the way to go to backup versus Zip Disks, and CD's. If you want Archives... then use CD's and Zips. But for the day to day, month to month safety net. Connected provides the most robust solution. But your data isn't in your hands. And some people really want that.