I find the simplest way to safeguard pictures is:
1) copy from card to your computer, and retain on card for a specified period - I tend to keep for 12 months.
2) back up from the directory/folder which contains the pictures to a 'transportable' disc (backup disc), making sure that the backup disc is sufficiently big enough to hold three copies of the backup.
3) after the third copy has been backed up to the backup disc, delete the oldest, and continue this cycle on a monthly, six monthly or annual basis, whichever you think is appropriate.
4) if you can afford it, you can extend this strategy to using more backup disks, rotating them.
5) try and keep one of the backup disks at another physical location.
Using this method you should be able to restore from either the original cards or the backup if required.
Best regards to all,
Tom