When I used a PC I saved favorite sites in my "Favorites". Now that I have a Mac I save my favorite sites in my "Bookmarks" (the little 'plus sign' on the top left hand side of the screen--just to the right of the backwards and forward arrows). What kind of computer are you using?
I've never had my computer crash so I don't know if you would lose the info or not. I keep a miniature address book next to my computer and I put into it the names of all my favorite forums, sites, etc. along with the password and username that I need for each. Any of the passwords that would be unsafe for snoopy eyes to see I just make a code that only I would understand to remind me which password I would need for that site.