Question: Updating SuSE

SuSE Linux 8.2 has been announced, and I know I'm going to get it. Newbie that I am, I'll get a full professional package for any changes to the manuals. I do have a question, though. I've been working at getting my system the way I want it. Not there yet, but it's getting better. What is the procedure for an upgrade of this type? What files / directories do I need to protect? What are the "gotcha's" that I can run into? This is new to me, so all help will be appreciated. -- Penguins eat butterflies, don't they?