A very simple process:

Step 1: Access 'Documents' and highlight the folders/documents you want to back up. The same for photos.

Step 2: Put a CD/DVD disk into the PC.

Step 3: Click on the BURN tab/icon at the top of the screen. Follow the on screen instructions.

Step 4: Exit and retrieve your disk.

Using Nero:  (You will have to use Nero or Roxio to copy CDs or DVDs)

Step 1: Access your CD or DVD burning software.

Step 2: Insert a blank disk into the CD/DVD writer drive

Step 3: At the opening splash screen make sure you have the tabs set appropriately i.e. either for CD or DVD.

Step 4: browse to the utility you want. ie for burning a DATA disk, A MUSIC disk VIDEO can only be burnt on to a DVD disk, usually.  By far the most common utility is for DATA. This can cover any data including photos and music.

Step 5: At the select data window, click on the ADD tab

Step 6: Browse to the data you want. Highlight it and click the ADD button

Step 7: The data you want to burn is indicated in the window. Click NEXT for the burn window. Click BURN to start the burn process.

Step 8: During the process, a progress window will keep you informed. Next, a window will tell you when the burn is completed.

Step 9: Exit the program and retrieve your disk. Test it the CD/DVD drive to see if data backed up is as you wanted it.

Using the Windows XP burn. (more complicated!)

Step 1:  Insert  recordable (blank) CD disc is put in to a CD-RW drive. A  window  will appear showing the contents of the drive letter which corresponds to the CD-RW drive.

Step 2: You can now 'drag and drop' or 'Copy and Paste' the data you want to backup into this folder

Step 3:  Click on the "Write these files to CD" link located in the upper left corner of the window under the section entitled "CD Writing Tasks".

Step 4: The CD Writing Wizard will appear and ask you to name the CD-R.  Insert a name or leave the default and then click on Next.

Step 5: The copy/burning process will begin. When completed, select Finish. 

Step 6:  Test your disk to make certain all is well. Retrieve your disk

Using a Memory Stick

Step 1: Insert your Gizmo/Memory Stick into a USB slot. A windows should appear,  meaning it has been recognised. Click out of this window.

Step 2: Use 'Windows Explorer' or 'My Computer' to find your Memory Stick's drive letter. It may be E or F etc and listed as a 'Removable Disk'.

Step 3: Now you know where your Memory Stick is, you can 'copy' the data for backup. To do this, highlight your data, right click and then click the copy tab in the task window. (If you want all the contents of your 'My Documents',  Click the Edit tab at the top of the screen and click 'Select All').

Step 4: Find your listed Memory Stick again, in Windows Explorer or My Computer. Click on it. It should highlight. Right click and click on the paste tab in the task window. A window will appear informing you of the data transfer process. It will disappear when completed. Remove your Memory Stick from the USB socket.