Microsoft Backup has been improved significantly since the less-than-perfect version that was part of Windows 95. First, it's a Seagate Software product; second, it has a wizard to walk you through standard backup procedures; and third, it supports SCSI tape drives. (The old one didn't.) Watch how easy this utility is to use:

Suppose you want to back up your data files (which, of course, are all neatly filed in a main Data Files folder, divided into subfolders). Select Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup. Choose Create A New Backup Job and click OK. Select Backup Selected Files..., then click Next. In the left pane, click to place check marks in the boxes next to the folder(s) and/or drive(s) you want to back up--in this case, the C:\Data Files folder--then click Next. Leave All Selected Files selected, then click Next and set a destination for the backup (such as your tape backup). Click Next two more times, name the backup job, and click Start.

When Microsoft Backup finishes doing its thing, you'll see a message telling you the operation is complete. Click OK twice.

(Note: To bypass the wizard, open Microsoft Backup, click Close, and you'll find all of the options included in the wizard right on the Backup tab.)

In our next tip, updating an existing backup job...