I use the basic MS XP back-up to schedule two full/over-write back-ups a week (covers machine off due to absence) of 'My Documents and Folders' to a different hard drive. Each one goes to a separate folder.
It is easy to set up as SD says and does the job. Acronis is indeed a good programme with lots of other facilities but the 'packaged' back-up is fine for what you want. There is plenty of 'help' with it on the web via Google.