If you're one of those people (like me) who has a couple of external hard drives for "backup", that's good. It's a good first step. But what happens if your office is destroyed?

Off-site backup's your best bet.

This is pretty easy stuff folks. Install software on your computer that automatically backs up the parts of the computer you specify. Back up installation software, email messages, documents etc., without having to think about it.

There really is no excuse to do this, because the services are becoming increasingly less expensive.

More importantly, there are now many local companies that offer off-site backup. When you consider where your data is stored, you may find it reassuring to know that it's in Niagara instead of a data center in West Virginia, for example.

When's the best time to make your backup?

Before you need it!

Now get to it : )