(Off Topic) Computer experts...

[~Spanky~]

First here is some good reading:
http://www.ca.com/files/whitepapers/backup_recov_wp.pdf
Second:
External (USB) drives are a good way to backup large amounts of data.
When not actively backing up, disconnect and keep in a safe place.
Large GB flash drives are also pretty good. Flash technology is what’s in most of the consumer priced Green Drives on the shelf.
Weekly backups to any name brand quality drive will hold your data safe for years.
Set for incremental backups after your initial
DVDs are a fair way to place photos and documents in small compressed files as an extra measure.
Add some new HDD to that old system and make your own home file server.
NOTE: a good linux dostro, which is free and very “Windows User” friendly would be a great start.
Free and secure-Ubuntu, Xubuntu, PClinuxOS are my top picks
If you are a Windows Lover-Windows Home Server
All will do the auto update thing and all you need to do is set up samba services
SAMBA=Windows shares
Last is a question. What did the local guru say was the cause of the HDD “Crash”?
Good luck,
That concludes my 2-cents

 

[~Spanky~]

So what's a redundant raid?

ANSWER:
http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-6.2-Manual/ref-guide/ch-raid.html

 

[~Spanky~]

Online one I've liked is http://www.backblaze.com/

Free trail with Windows 7 Carbonite Inc.

 

[ChuckstrPT]

Last is a question. What did the local guru say was the cause of the HDD “Crash”?

I believe he told my wife it may have been a power surge, but I'm not sure he was 100% on that.
Thanks for the info!:sunshine: