Which Externl HD and Backup SW for Full System Backups

[Herkulese]

I would like advice for both External HD and Backup Software as follows:

I just bought a new laptop, and want to clean ut up and set it up the way that I want it, while keeping it as clean as possible during the process.

This means that I want to do full incrememtal system backups at each major stage as follows:

1st Backup:
- Remove all Norton Anti Virus software
- Install CCleaner
- Run CCleaner to remove all left overs from Norton removal (Both Files and Regitry Items)

2nd Backup:
- Connect to home network
- Download and install new anti virus sweet
- Do full system antivirus scan

3rd Backup:
- Install MS Office 2010

4th Backu:
-etc...etc...etc...

This way I can experiment between stages, and then go back to the previous, or, any other stage and start, fresh and clean, from tthat point if I need to, until I get it set up the way that I want it, and when completed, or completed for now, I will have a clean image to go back to when ever I need to install more major software.

This drive will hold this backup as well as handle major file storage.

Thanks for any/and all advice,
Herk

 

[Herkulese]

Someone has to have some kind of info on this.

Anyone?