Back up software questions

I just recevied a PC from Velocity Micro and I've heard that you should do a backup before you install anything so that you can restore it to the way it came from the factory if something goes wrong (that's the way I understand it at least).
I'm kind of new to computers and I would like to know the best software to get. Blackspear recommends Acronis True Image, is that the best one?
I only have one hard drive in the computer and I don't have a external hard drive either. Can I use DVD+R to do the backup?
Also, can I use the free trial download of Acronis to do the first backup so I can go ahead and start installing things? I'd rather wait to get the full version until I have a little more money.

Thanks for reading!

 

From what I read VM sells a relatively clean machine e.g. no crapware. Just to lessen the load, uninstall any apps you have no use for and do a quick registry cleaning. You can use Eusing Registry Cleaner:

http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm

You "can" use the trial version of ATI to do a BU to DVD / CD. I would read / do a search in the ATI forum carefully prior to doing a DVD BU directly from PC. In the past there have been some issues w/ this procedure.

hth,

...screamer

 

I bought the Vector GX Holiday Edition and I did pay the extra money for a backup disk from Velocity Micro. I just thought that maybe I should do a backup with a well known program. Or will the VM disk be fine?

 

That's nice to know Pete. I think I'll keep that in my "things to remember" box

...screamer

 

Great! That's all I wanted to do for right now anyway!

Thanks so much for everyones help!