* Backing up can be a long winded process, but essential nonetheless. Now, there is a new generation of external backup drives that just plug into a PC and make it much easier. One of these is Hitachi’s EasyBak Data, which the company says offers both scheduled and “one-button” instant backup of a desktop or notebook computer. It uses media that is available in 160Gb, 250Gb and 400Gb capacities and connects to a PC or Mac via a high-speed USB2 connection. Users can select folders andor drives on their computer and schedule their backup - or they can simply do it instantaneously with the push of a button. EasyBak Data can also be shared on a network and is bundled with Dantz Retrospect backup software. The drive costs around pound;180-190. www.hitachi.co.uk