I know personally how devastating it can be to loose your data. Of course we keep the hard copy but what we have in the compute is so important. I too have a Dell, so does my cousin and my sister. Love it. Love the fact that I can call them and they are patient and kind. I called and ordered it and had everything I could think of put on it. I did get a rewritable CD on it and can back up to that and I have a zip drive too. I would suggest a USB port on the front to connect a camera too. I am going to give a site here that is excellent for all kind of computer questions and things. They have a show that I watch on cable tv and love it for teaching me computer stuff. http://www.zdtv.com/zdtv/callforhelp/ You can email the people and they will help you. Leo is the name of the man that is on the show. Try the site and bookmark it. [email protected] is the email address. Elaine