I usually just write a batch file that automatically runs when my computer boots. This batch file saves everything worth saving to a directory specified.. As for restoring you simply write a version of the batch file that will transfer all the backed up files to where they rightly belong.

If you are unfamiliar in writing batch files just do a google search.
Writing the batch files only takes a few minutes, and I find it a very easy and reliable way of backing up my data.