The fact that your ram is rated higher than your board requires (the rating just indicates the maximum bus speed it will work with) means that it shouldn't really be giving you a problem, unless the modules are bad, or they are incompatible for some other reason. Check the Mobo manual and see if it requires 'Buffered' or 'Unbuffered' memory. Most memory these days is unbuffered, but it's just one more thing you need to keep in mind when buying.
As for backups, forget backup software. Just burn your 'Documents and settings' folder to CD/DVD, and whatever other archival directories you use. Heck, with black friday so close, I strongly recommend finding a good deal on a USB hard drive and backing up to that. Or at the very least a 2 gig USB memory stick (you can get them for $5 on sale).
"Not this again!" Minerva said. "Albus, it was You-Know-Who, not you, who marked Harry as his equal. There is no possible way that the prophecy could be talking about you!" - Harry Potter and the Method of Rationality, Chapter 84
As for backups, forget backup software. Just burn your 'Documents and settings' folder to CD/DVD, and whatever other archival directories you use. Heck, with black friday so close, I strongly recommend finding a good deal on a USB hard drive and backing up to that. Or at the very least a 2 gig USB memory stick (you can get them for $5 on sale).
"Not this again!" Minerva said. "Albus, it was You-Know-Who, not you, who marked Harry as his equal. There is no possible way that the prophecy could be talking about you!" - Harry Potter and the Method of Rationality, Chapter 84