"System Image" Question

Question:  Is it a good idea to back up the Windows 8 Program files and Program Data?  Or do we have that pretty well covered in the system image?

Answer:  That should be in the System Image. You can google "what is in the Windows 8 system image" and you will get lots of hits.  Here is one:  http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-use-system-image-backup.  The image you create is "frozen" in time.  So if you add new programs, download updates, etc., those will not be in the image.  But it is better than having to start from scratch with a Windows installation disk or .iso file.  Also, you may have included all your own "user" files, such as documents and pictures.  Those will be restored too, to that moment in time.  So it is best to have a continuous cloud or off computer backup of all your own files.  You'll have to reload all your files from the backup after deleting those that came with the system image restoration.