Windows 7 has a built in backup program  How to use the Win 7 backup program If it's just some user data, such as pictures, music, and in your case tax info and medical info you can back up that data to a data CD or DVD, using the CD/DVD burning program that came with the PC (probably Roxio).  Create a "data disc" and depending on how much data there is to backup either a CD-R or a DVD-R (or a DVD+R).  DO NOT use RW type discs as they have been known to lose data and/or format.   You could also back it up to a "flash drive" (USB "key"). There is a Dell recovery partition on the hard drive accessed by F8 at power on, and that will allow you to restore the PC to the original factory condition if needed.  However, if the hard drive fails, and it's out of warranty the ONLY way is with Discs.  The "ultimate" solution is to use a 3rd party back up program such as the popular (what I use and what most techies I know use) Acronis True Image.  This is not free but well worth the cost.  I use Acronis and do frequent full hard drive backups (all partitions) to a separate (USB connected) hard drive.  If there is a problem, either a corruption in Windows or a corruption of the entire hard drive (or a failure of the hard drive), I can completely restore the drive to the condition of the last backup in a little over an hour (how long depends on how much data to be restored). Finally, as PC Vendors (all brands, not just Dell) do not supply Windows discs with their systems anymore, you can download the exact same version of Windows 7 that you have (e.g. Windows 7 Home 64 bit) and make an "ISO" DVD that you can use to reinstall (using the Dell Windows 7 Product Key  - tag on your PC). This is also recommended.  I don't know if the CD/DVD burning program you have will make and "ISO" (Bootable) data DVD, so download the free Imgburn program which willl do that.  Windows 7 download Imgburn program
I have a Dell 8300 that works fine can anyone tell me how i can back up the hard drive or the Operating system so that i do not lose it  or back up some programs like tax info and medical info    I am a rookie with computers any help would be appreciated
Dell 8300