But Oh My God, it is absolutely one of the worst experiences someone can go through. How do I know? I watched my partner go through it today. In fact, she is restoring her pc right now as I am typing this HUB. But, I have gone through it and it was just a year ago or so when I lost everything. The difference between her pc and mine?

I had a recent backup and she didn't. She is a freelance photographer and didn't give much thought to backing up her files as a writer would. I always thought of my precious Word and Excel files that I would lose....I had nightmares just thinking about it!

Who knew that my grandmother's old saying would hold so true about a piece of technology that we all use on a regular, consistent basis? I guess truth covers progress or lack of it no matter how you twist or turn it.

Okay, so what is the least painless way to back up your pc? Everyone has a different or preferred method but here is what I did and I felt so much better for doing it.

Go to your local Best Buy store. There is a USB backup that will fit into your laptop or computer nicely. When I first purchased this gizmo, it cost me $75, which is a mere pittance especially when you think about the importance of my files. In the big scheme of things, it is SO worth it. Now is not the time to skimp on your backup method! So, I bought this USB and I used it every time I created or modified a file on my pc. Yes, that was every single day for me. It was quick and easy.

I checked it often too to make sure that all my files were showing on the backup and that I could open them without a problem. This is crucial! Next, Every week, I backed up my files onto a CD and dated it. This may seem like backup hell and overload, but it sure saved me and allowed me to sleep at night. Especially when I started having problems with my pc, I began to panic until I remembered that I had 2 sets of backups!

When the computer guy told me that my laptop had gone to the big junkpile in the sky, he winced and asked if I had a good, recent backup. I smiled and assured him I had 2 different backups and once I purchased a new laptop, I would be ready to roll.

When I got my new pc, he loaded Microsoft Office and other features I needed on it and told me, "Okay, time to load your files back on. The proof is in the pudding, or backup that is!". So I took it home and took my USB port backup and gently put it into my new computer. I copied all my files and placed them into my new computer.

I opened my word processing software and doubleclicked on an old, familiar file. I held my breath and VOILA! there is was! So, to this day, I backup religiously.

My partner began reciting all of her lost files that she never backed up: Oh my God! My resume!, my notes!, my excel files! my photography! UGH!

I looked at her and shook my head. I would hate being in that situation. I simply handed her a box of new, blank CD's. Because an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.