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Back It Up
Backing up files can be time consuming, but that time can prove invaluable if you have a system failure. Windows 98 has a backup system tool that is used to simplify the creation of backup copies of files on your hard disk. You can save the backups on floppy disks, a CD-ROM or DVD, a tape drive or another computer on your network.
When to Run Backup
You should run Backup periodically to create copies of important files in case files are deleted or corrupted. You can create the backup files in compressed form to save storage space.
To run Backup, start by clicking Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools and then click Backup.
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Builders, Developers Needed to Show Success of 'No Surprises' Policy for Habitat Conservation Plans
As fringe environmental advocacy groups step up their efforts to scuttle the Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) "No Surprises" policy that developerrs and builders rely on for legal assurances for their Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), NAHB’s legal and regulatory staff are looking for builders and developers who can document their successes in working under this program.
HCPs enable home builders, developers and other landowners to acquire permits for construction or land development in endangered species habitats …
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Housing Snapshot
Mortgage interest rates last week remained at near bargain-basement levels, almost unchanged from the previous week, and Freddie Mac economists reported that applications have been up for both homes purchases and refinancings as a result. The Commerce Department said that growth of the gross domestic product was up 4.1% in last year's final quarter, slightly higher than originally estimated, and some analysts believe growth in the current quarter will climb to about 4.5%. Personal spending was up 0.4% in January, and the latest reports from businesses showed they were increasing their investment in equipment and software and building up their inventories in anticipation of a more vibrant economy. Lumber prices continued to go in the wrong direction last week, but there were signs of a slowdown in their upward momentum. Random Lengths reported that framing lumber was up $5 to $389 per 1,000 board feet. The mill price for 15/32-inch 3-ply CDX Southern Westside plywood was up $10 to $495 per 1,000 square feet, up from $240 a year earlier; and oriented strand board climbed $8 to $495, compared to $192 for the same week in 2003.
| Mortgage Interest Rates |
| 30-Year Fixed-Rate |
5.58% |
| 15-Year Fixed-Rate |
4.89% |
| 1-Year ARM |
3.50% |
| Housing Starts - Jan. 2004* |
| Total |
1.903 million |
| Single-Family Starts |
1.537 million |
| Multifamily Starts |
339,000 |
New Home Sales
Jan. 2004* |
1.106 million |
Existing Home Sales
Jan. 2004* |
6.04 million |
| * Seasonally adjusted annual rate |
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