Memorex 4.7GB 4x DVD+RW Media (25 -Pack Spindle): great price for backing up your hard disk(s). This 25-pack of 4x DVD+RW discs for newer DVD+R/+RW drives (part number 32025541) consists of rewriteable, single-sided discs that store up to 4.7 GB of data and approximately 240 minutes of video (depending on your mastering software; 120 minutes optimal)—that’s more than six times as much data as will fit on a recordable CD. You can transfer your home movies from VHS or 8 mm cassettes, back-up computer hard drives and large files, or stuff them chock full of MP3 music files and JPEG image files from your digital camera.

Rewritable “plus” discs require no finalizing—you can record, eject, and play them with minimal fuss, thanks to “background formatting.” This feature, which lowers total burning time, is an advantage over the “dash” formats. For PC users, DVD+RW also offers advantages over DVD-RW, including on-disc content editing, built-in defect management, and multisession writing.

Norton Ghost 9.0 provides a complete backup solution to get up and running in no time.

PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 provides comprehensive virus security, a personal firewal, home network control, and vulnerability assessment.

It’s available in a single pack or a Home Security Pack for 3 users.

If you have an iPod, you should also have an iTrip from Griffin Technology. The iTrip FM transmitter can play your music through any FM radio: in your car, at work, at a party, wherever the mood strikes you—so long as there’s a radio handy. It needs no batteries (it draws a minuscule amount of power from the iPod itself). Unlike some other FM transmitters, the iTrip can be tuned to any available station. The iTrip is available for 1st/2nd generation and 3G (with dock connector) iPods.