[DGD] hardware issues

[Shentino]

In the interests of not having my contributions in perpetual
restoration, I'd like some tips on how to avoid

Besides backups (obvious solution, also cumbersome owing to lack of
suitable media), how do I keep my data safe?

Of particular interest are tips on keeping my hardware intact so that
I will not have to have it replaced.

My next OS will be Red Hat Fedora 1, if that helps.