Data redundancy - what do you use?

[OSB]

This isn't really a software specific question and i'm sure most people will have a view / something to say so i've posted it here, if mods want to move it you will (i can't stop you!).

Basically i am wondering what is the best way to prevent against data loss / an install going corrupt / boot sector corrupting etc. I know these things are unlikely but what is the best way to ensure that if something goes wrong, you can asap continue from where you left off? (As mirrored raid only protects against hardware failior)

Cheers, OSB

 

[OSB]

Remember kids, RAID isn't a substitute for backups.

No i know, and all the important data is always backed up, daily, weekly etc etc. But is more the hassle of if windows goes then re-installing and configuring all the software. This is only needed for one machine, not over a server though but cheers for the info colinuk.