Mary Fisher wrote:
[...]
I've backed up some things on CDs but don't know how to back up e-mails -
and since most of my mailing isn't social or ngs it's important.
[...]

That depends on your e-mail program. In some (eg, Thunderbird) you can
Save or Save as to some folder outside the programs inbox(es). You can
even give the Saved e-mail your own file name. Check the Help, and see
what's possible.

Good luck.