To add to what Earth said, Windows 7 backups (created by Windows 7 built in solution) can allow you to mount the image as a virtual hard disk if you wish to explore and retrieve certain files.
Other than that, most recommended backup solutions, to add to what exterminator said are: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free, EaseUS TODO Backup and Macrium Reflect.
All 3 are good in their own way. I personally use Paragon as I had some issues with the other 2, but there has been users who had no issues with Ease or Macrium but had it with Paragon.
Best approach, use Windows 7 builtin one first and then trial yourself.
Nothing really to add in terms of security. Decent setup. Just be careful which sites you visit and what you download and you should be fine.