computer storage

I'm leaving to serve a church mission (mormon) in about 2 weeks and i was wondering what the best way to store my laptop (Dell Inspiron 8500) is. I'll be gone for 2 years and I want all my files to still be on here when I come home.

Backup onto DVD or tape drive then keep it in a drawer out of he sun.

Wrap the laptop in plastic (tightly) so no dust can get into or out of the vents. Then store in a dry place like a cupboard.

Why not sell it now, get some money for your trip - and buy a new computer when you get back?

It will seem positively ancient (read: SLOW) when you get back in 2 years....

Best of luck on your trip.

Backup the data using cds or dvds. Make a few copies too.

With Oz here. Sell for it while some people might want it. That would be like selling a PII laptop now, maybe 150-200 bucks. While you could get 600+ now, all things considering.