computer backups, portable apps, cloud computing...

I went ahead and cross posted this to this group as many Palms/smart phones
can be used like a thumb drive as a portable drive. If anyone is actually
doing this I would like to hear your experiences.



OK, time for me to make some decisions...This laptop, the computer I use the
most gave me the blue screen of death several times in the last few days.

It is still under warranty, so it will get fixed or replaced, but it could
be a few a weeks between when I take it and when I get it back.  If they
choose to replace the harddrive, then I am left with basically a brand new
computer that needs everything reinstalled as well.  I am trying to figure
out the best way to approach this and similar end of life computer issues.

I have my documents and such backed up on at least two external HD. Lately
I have been using Evernote, so the stuff  most important and current from
web searches, notes, etc is also backed up in the cloud, additionally the
whole program is accessible online.   I use gmail so that is not an issue,
and my Centro also has a back-up of my PIM data.

Goal- What I would want ideally is a whole copy of my current HD ready to
use on a new or temporary computer, at least the main programs and
documents.  But I assume if I were to make a ghost copy of the drive (that
is the correct terminology?) than if I do switch to a new computer, it won't
work as it has the OS from the old computer on there.
I don't want to have to unexpectedly spend a day or more installing old
programs on a new harddrive instead of actually getting things done that may
need doing. If I could pre-plan it and do it as I go along, it would be much
better.   I just got the upgraded version of Paperport installed and I had
put that off for weeks, so I am not excited about doing it all again.

Portable apps?  Since I rarely use any other computer, I never paid much
attention to the idea of portable apps, but today I started reading a bit on
them. How do they compare/work for those that have experience with them?
What are the downsides?  Do you just keep a thumb drive plugged in the
computer you use and not use desktop installed versions?  Do you sync them
or just use them instead and have a back up copy or two in the event of loss
or breakage?  Many of the apps I use are available as portable apps, but I
haven't ever bothered to try them. I don't want to spend hours and hours on
a new learning curve or system needlessly either.

Suggestions?

Caroline


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