In the last 3 years I have had three HDD failures. Two Maxtor and a Hitachi.
Backing up seems to be more vital these days than ever before and I do it frequently.
Mac, I have never bothered to switch SMART on so I am going to take your advice on that. For sure, a HDD failure is a trauma we can do without so whatever there is out there that gives a warning I am all for it.