A couple of questions regarding very slow start up and backing up files [View all]

The lap top is getting old and my wife and I are thinking of getting a new one at some point but would like to save a bunch of files and photos that are on the laptop in case this dies or when the time comes to transfer such to the new one. What's the best method to do that? I've seen items that look like sticks that one plugs into the side of the laptop.

Since I downloaded updates for System Mechanic, the laptop is veeerrry slow in getting to the desktop screen when starting up or when switching from the wife's account to mine or vice versa. The screen is blank during this time but one can see and move the cursor. It's annoying more then anything as we are used to fast response time and now have time to get a cup of coffee and get the dishwasher going before being able to do anything on the 'puter. This reminds me of the old dial up days. Once the desk top loads, the laptop is as fast as usual. It's just at startup or when swithcing accounts that this happens.