For all the growth in computer usage in the past two decades, research by Harris Interactive shows 46 percent of all adults never make backup copies of crucial data on external devices—even as 43 percent said they had lost important computer files due to viruses or malfunctions.

With that in mind, hard disc drive manufacturer Seagate is teaming up with Microsoft to jointly market Windows Vista Backup and Restore and the Maxtor OneTouch III, as a combined storage solution for small and midsize businesses as well as home users.

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"With the rise in mobility and the increased creation and sharing of digital content on a variety of portable and in-home devices, the need to back up and protect content today is more important than ever," said Jim Druckrey, senior vice president and general manager of Seagate Branded Solutions, in a statement.

"In addition to the significant worth of business data, the value of our personal media like photos, videos and music continues to grow as our content libraries at home and in the office balloon. By collaborating with Microsoft, we're seeking to amplify our ongoing campaign to educate consumers and small business owners about protecting their digital lives."

According to the Harris study, which was sponsored by Seagate, 57 percent of American adults agreed the content of the files they have stored on their computer is worth more to them than the actual dollar amount of their computer. Still, many consumers and small business owners are still not protecting their content.

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Microsoft and Seagate officials said they will work together to promote awareness of the need to safeguard data though a series of Web promotions, advertisements, retail promotions and other activities. Podcasts featuring tips on the best storage practices for SMBs are available here.

"Windows Vista is designed to fit people's lives. Our work with Seagate helps us deliver on the promise of personal computing," said Dave Wascha, director of partner marketing communications for Windows Client at Microsoft, in the same statement. "We appreciate the support Seagate has provided at this year's Consumer Electronics Show to make people's lives easier and better connected."

In combination with the file-level backup in Windows Vista, Maxtor OneTouch automatically schedules system-level backups for OS, settings and applications for a system rollback so users only need to set it once, Seagate officials said.

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