If your question is "how do I backup my computer?" that's a great
question but the answer is far beyond the scope of a newsgroup.
Tremendous information is available on the web. Use Google and search
for: how to backup a computer.

For now, the most important thing for you to do is to transfer your own
files (documents, spreadsheets, pictures, music, etc.) to something
outside your computer, like a DVD or an external hard disk.

To transfer files and folders to a DVD, use your DVD burning software.
To transfer to an external hard drive, copy the files and folders as you
normally would. These methods work, but they're not very convenient. As
you do your research on the web you'll learn about backup software that
can make the job much easier.

To copy system files - Windows and your installed software - you need
something called disk imaging software. Disk imaging is advanced but you
can work up to it. For now make sure you have installation media for all
your software.
---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est

There is no "proper" way. There are many choices, and what's best for
one individual isn't necessarily best for everyone.

You can read my thoughts on backup in this article I recently wrote:
http://www.computorcompanion.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=314

Jeff,

XP has built-in backup software that can be found on the Start Menu (All
Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Backup).  It is not as flexible or
powerful as some commercial options, but it's perfectly adequate to back up
your system.  I cannot, however, back up to a CD or DVD.  You must back up to
a drive.

Good luck,
- Steve