It’s time to take backing up your data just as seriously as you take everything else in life—yes, even more seriously than your science fiction fanaticism. For this reason, we introduce you to MailBrowserBackup (try saying that in one breath). This open source application not only stores your library of emails, but it also archives your instant messaging buddy list and chat logs, as well as your browser’s bookmarks.

Once you open it, MailBrowserBackup scans your hard drive for compatible software. Then, you can select the programs you want to back up and a destination folder, where the app will save your information in its proprietary .MBB format. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to recover your information, MailBrowserBackup will restore it by synching up with your software.

Mail Browser Backup works with a multitude of software, such as Mozilla’s Firefox and Thunderbird, Google Chrome, Outlook 2003/2007, Pidgin (though you’ll be required to download Notepad ++ to save chat logs), and Windows Calendar. This free application requires .Net 2.0 and above and only takes up about 130kb. Download it here.

Every Wednesday, we pick a new free or shareware download as our favorite of the week. Have a nifty application that you can't live without? Send suggestions to fion [AT] futureus.com with "Download of the Week" in the subject line.