I have backed up my files to disc, memory sticks and hard drives.
In 2010 I registered a rough draft of my novel and future ideas, in the UK with
http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/
In 2013 I registered my novel and future ideas, in the USA with
http://www.copyright.gov/
Interesting question. I had an issue about a year ago when the hard drive on my laptop died. The only answer was a new hard drive, nothing could be recovered from the old one. Most of my writing was on the hard drive, some was backed up on memory stick. I also hard copies of a couple of short stories which weren't on the memory stick. I scanned these as pdf's and then cut and paste back into a word document.
I'd be interested in understanding what the copyright registering offers? If someone copies an idea, or part of manuscript it is surely a long and tortuous road, seeking compensation. If your work has been published I accept that may be slightly different.
I registered my manuscript and ideas because I could afford to do it. Some would consider what I did a waste of money, because ever author owns the copyright of his or her work.
Agents receive hundreds of submissions a year. No reputable agent would risk their reputation by stealing ideas off authors. The have no reason too.
But I have read many complaints by authors online who said their ideas were stolen. I'm sure we have all heard allegations about authors stealing other authors ideas. There are famous examples of plagiarism
I surmise it happens when authors place their work in the public domain. Ideas can also be recycled by word of mouth.
I'm not recommending that would-be authors safeguard their work by paying money to a copyright service. It would be better to wait until the hook an agent.
But it's important you back up our work to disc, hard-drive or memory stick.
That's a useful point, thank you, Adrian.
As you have already gone through that process, could I ask if there is much cost involved or if the process is complicated/time-consuming?