Yes! Everything else in this thread is interesting but without automated backups it's all just temporary. I would add that it's a good idea to automate backups

Yes! Everything else in this thread is interesting but without automated backups it's all just temporary. I would add that it's a good idea to automate backups using more than one method as well. For example, use a popular software package but also copy important stuff to an extra drive. A cheap setup with a Raspberry Pi + USB drive plugged in to your router will do just fine.