Backup software comes in two forms.

1. Software that will copy a folder of your choice to a new location for 'backup'
2. Software that creates a backup of your whole system in case you have a complete system failure

Personally I recommend option 1. Most computer systems today either come with a set of disks (CD or DVD) to restore the computer to factory specs or allow you to create a set of disks.

Therefore, if you keep track of the documents that you create and any software that you use. You will always be able to restore your system.

Note: If you are a business who gets paid by the hour then full system restoration is a must. My site is devoted to the home user and not intended for corporate policies.