I tried it once and didn't work for me and I did it like it said. Now I just back up, personal things like My Documents where my photos, music, etc. are. My favorites in windows explore, my wallpaper collection in Windows and the rest of my personal stuff. I do this faithfully at least every two months and if I take a new batch of photos, I back those up right away. If anything happens to my PC, I just download anti virus, spyware, etc. and install it new, then update it.

chessie Is this a split system you are replacing or a package system? either way, I would go with HP with backup electric strip heat. why? you would rarely use nat gas backup based on your area/climate. obviously AC is more important than heating. and you do have reasonable electric rates. you also want a new system that qualifies for the HP HVAC tax credit of up to $1500. see below link for details on the tax credit. I can make a few recommendations if you like. IMO Here is a link that might be useful: Fed Govt Tax Credits for HVAC

Favorite things? Wow, so many... Some of the top ones off the top of my head:  Staying organized. Taking notes, reminders (don't miss birthdays, anniversaries, income tax deadlines, bills due, etc.  Surfing, forums, etc.  Research & learning. I like learning new things and it's perfect for that. Also don't need phone books anymore - less clutter. Also can look for events, lodging, etc when I'm going to be traveling.  Keeping up on the weather and breaking news. Watch radar and track storms. Get the data needed to do my forecasts.  Check gas prices (saves money)  Check store ads. (saves money driving, saves the cost of a newspaper)  Online bill payment. (saves $25-$30/yr in postage & expenses.)  Email  Faxing  Document creation - no more liquid paper. Keeps things more organized too and less paper clutter.  and yes a few games occasionally. I use my computer a lot. It's my command center.

I can't help with the solar and battery issues except to wonder how much extra it is to replace a roof with the solar. I have also worried about people steeling the panels. However I certainly have opinions on the generator side. First, you appear to only need a small generator. A regular gasoline generator like I have IS noisy. I think propane or natural gas wouldn't make a difference. My generator is 7000 watts. Most of these portables are 5 or 7000 watt units. I am in the country on a well with regular HVAC downstairs and a heat pump upstairs. When using my 7000 watt unit, I can run one of those heat sources or AC if needed but if one had only a single unit drawing more power, I doubt even 7000 watts would work for AC. But you don't need any of that and could run everything you need on 5000 watts easy. I had an electrician readjust breakers in the panel so that an Interlock breaker set could be added Instead of adding a Transfer switch that is far more expensive and partially inconvenient. The Interlock is a manual breaker that I must throw to disconnect the main line so the generator can't feed it and instead goes to the house wiring only. A transfer Switch box does this automatically which is nice but it only allows the specific added wiring in the Transfer box to be working. If the electrician doesn't wire in a basement or attic light or almost any suddenly needed circuit, you won't have it. With interlock, I have access to all circuits without all the transfer wiring cost. I just can't let everything run at once. I just shut down unneeded heavy loads while I am switching the Interlock Breaker. I have had my unit for about 12 years. I have had some issues but I am handy. I have changed the oil several times and unfortunately had a failure of a voltage regulator during a potential long outage that fortunately was only about 12 hours. I have been casual about starting the generator monthly and doubt my inattention has caused me extra trouble. Re noise: I hear that there are new 'generators' that are quieter. They are called 'Inverters'. They are more expensive or less powerful, but again, you don't need much. If you did go the portable Generator route: COSTCO is selling a multi option unit with electric or manual pull start that uses gasoline or Gas. I don't recall if the gas was propane or natural gas or maybe both. Very inexpensive too. My unit is a Briggs & Stratton Powerboss (no longer made) with a B&S generator and a real Honda engine that was $900 at COSTCO 12 years ago. This one is a Chinese unit for ~$750 today. I have no idea of life range.