To find the backup tool, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools and choose Backup. Basically all you do is follow the wizard. You will be given the choice to backup what you would like, keep in mind if you are trying to backup your entire system, it may take a bunch of CD's. I would use CDRW's or if you can write to a DVD, that is even better.

You can also choose to write to a floppy, however you are limited by it's small storage capacity. Flash drives, if they are large enough are also a good choice. Most people are only interested in backing up the My Documents folder or files created in word processing programs. If you backup the contents of the My Documents folder it will include all the pictures you have stored in the folder as well as My Music, etc.

After you have backed up what you want, if you ever have a computer crash, you can use the wizard to reinstall those things that you backed up. Keep in mind that you will probably not be able to backup programs that you have installed, most of the time that is alright, because you probably have the original disks that came with the program. If the backup device that you want to use, does not show up in the wizard, then you will have to use the Browse button to locate it. Those of you that have Windows Live Onecare, can use the backup utility that came with it.