In addition to backing up, which is usually just user files like images, one really should make an image of the hard drive, or the system partition, from time to time.
An image is a condensed copy of everything on the drive including all the operating system so that if your setup gets really crippled, infected, or when the hard drive fails you can restore the image and be back in business in a few minutes with very little sweat.
There is a choice of third party applications, some free some paid for, but I use a free one Macrium Reflect that is well thought of and easy to use.
Ideally images and backups should be saved to an external hard drive, outside the computer.
Understand one thing that Dell backup backs up to your pc unless you direct it to another drive. If you have a hard drive failure all that will be gone. Any and all backups should be done to an external hard drive, USB stick or burned on to a DVD. Cloud backups are also a great tool. Backing up to your own pc is never a good thing.
Dell Backup and Recovery Basic was preloaded on new Dell Windows 7 and Windows 8 devices shipped before April 14, 2016, and offers the following features:
Create reinstall disks (rescue disks) for your device
Reset your device to the original factory state
Manually back up and restore your data
Backing up your personal data with Dell Backup and Recovery Basic is a good start toward protecting your valuable personal data. However, if your system is corrupted by a virus, system crash, or hardware failure, having a system backup can restore your entire system including applications, settings and personal data back to a previous point in time. If you’ve upgraded to Dell Backup and Recovery Premium you will be able to create system backups for the most complete data protection.
Norton360 with Backup, backs-up (local/online) items you create, personal data e.g., MP3s, photos, documents, videos. Norton Backup does not create system backups.