Lots of Options for Back Up These Days

So, I've been doing lots of investigation, research, and testing of backup solutions for individual computers lately. PC disaster recovery these days can be much simpler than in the past. For the newbie, though, it can be perplexing.
The move toward more and more online storage of files, media, and information makes much of the hassle go away, in my opinion (and experience). If you use Gmail, Google Docs, Flickr, or other options for your info, when you get a new PC or upgrade your drive, etc. all you have to do is connect to the net and you have your data again.
This isn't the way some things are dealt with, though. Program backup is still a PITA, IMHO. The specific configuration of everything from Windows options and settings, driver configurations, plug-ins for browsers, add-ins, and of course the specific setup of all your programs takes time, effort, or a really good backup solution.
For just files and data I've found options like Mozy are working well. Check out my article on the best three free backup solutions I've found so far.

If you've forgotten a Windows password

If you have, you know it can be frustrating. I had a laptop that my dad left me and we had no idea what the password was or what was on it. We thought there might be some programs and information that we wanted. I was ready to try to crack the passwords using the "old" method with a bootable Linux CD and cracking tools, but I tried the Windows repair method first.
You can see how to use this method in my article here.