need help backing up

[mattevil]

I have to run my computer into the shop soon(lightning took out my firewire formac studio and lacie cd burner as well as the ports it seems.) i just want to know what i need to backup when it comes to prefrences and applications. essentially i want to know what to back up so i can get my apps running again if the guy erases my hard drive for whatever reason (i think i'll need another motherboard). I have a dvd burner but no second hard drive.

[mnkeybsness]

i recommend backing up your entire home folder, but most importantly the library folder. i usually go through and look at what i actually need inside of there. a lot of times you will find that you don't even have half of the apps that use that stuff anymore. also the main library folder may have some things that you need in it. to preserve all of your preferences, in both library folders, there is a 'preferences' folder...keep those.