If you are a computer owner, there is definitely one thing that you need to be very concerned about. This is making backup copies of all of your computer files and programs. After all, if your computer is hit with a virus of any sort that threatens to destroy it, you will not lose valuable information. How can you lose your files? There are many things that can happen that can cause you to lose your computer files. Not only can your computer be hit by a bad virus, irritating spyware, or malware, but other unfortunate circumstances can also occur. For example, a lightening storm could short circuit your computer, if it is not protected by a power surge. This could wipe your computer out, or make it entirely unusable. The same thing holds true in the event of a power surge. Why, a simple child playing around with your computer can even do a great deal of damage! This is why it is in your best interest to keep backup files of everything that is important to you. What types of files should you backup? The types of computer files that you should backup are completely up to you. It all depends on what files are the most important and valuable to you. Most people typically find the following types of files to be rated high on their list of valuable files: bank records and finances, work projects, email address books, digital photographs, software, music, or other files downloaded from the Internet, Internet Explorer bookmarks, and Outlook calendars. How can you backup your computer files? There are a variety of ways to backup your computer files. The most basic way is to backup your files once a week or once a month (depending on how much you use your computer) by burning your important information on a CD. If your computer does not have a CD-ROM drive to do the burning, you could always purchase an external hard drive to put the files on. External hard drives come in a multitude of memory sizes. You can get one that is small enough to fit on your keychain. The price range for external hard drives varies. You can get an external hard drive for as little as twenty dollars, or for as much as a few hundred dollars. The memory space and compactness will often determine the price. External hard drives are typically plugged into your computer using the USB port. Where should you keep your computer's backup files? Once you have backed up your computer, where should you keep the files that are on a CD, external hard drive, or other device? The answer is simple: somewhere safe and sound! It may even be a good idea to back up your computer two different ways and then store at least one of the backups in a safe. It pays to have a safe copy of your files. It is always better to be safe than sorry!