I have a separate computer just for my embroidery. I really had too - I have a digitizing program that isn't compatible with Vista on my main computer! Fortunately, my DB found a laptop for me (the one that I had replaced with the Vista one had pooped out), so I can use my program. I store a lot of patterns on that - I also have some (a few thousand) on a flash drive saved from my old computer that is sorted into categories and several CDs full of designs. I wasn't happy when I learned the digitizing program couldn't be upgraded with a patch or something to work on my new laptop - and a new program would cost near $2,000! Oh well - it worked out better having a lap top just for embroidery - its older, but works with all my programs and has a slot for my card reader/writer from my machine to slide into.
BTW - I love Criswell!