Enter Lookout, a service that uses cloud technology to make replacing lost or destroyed data, apps and contacts painless.  Oh, and It also helps locate lost phones.

Simply download the free software (Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices are supported) and set up a user account.

From then on Lookout will run in the background, protecting your device from viruses, backing up your data and making it possible to locate the phone.

Lookout backs up your phone’s info, including contacts, photos, music and emails. Your information is stored in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere and transfer it to a new phone painlessly.

If you lose your phone, you can locate it on a map on the service’s site. You can also make it “scream” so you can find it if it’s nearby.  There’s also a method to wipe out the information on the phone remotely, so your personal information will never be compromised.

Unfortunately, not leaving your phone in a cab is still your responsibility.

Taking some of the pain out of the process is DentBetty, a free service that facilitates the gathering of cosmetic auto body repair estimates, using photos you submit.

Just upload a few photos of your ding or dent, provide a brief description of what happened and within 7 days you’ll have up to 7 competing estimates from quality shops all within driving distance.

From there you can choose a shop and schedule an appointment.

The service is free.  If your insurance is going to pick up the tab you’ll deal directly with the shop and your carrier.  The site also provides some tips for taking the right kind of photos (they suggest adding a ruler for scale, for example).

Now if only there were a free service for removing idiotic drivers from the road.

That’s where Habit Changer can help.  The service provides the tools necessary to correct bad habits in 42 days.

To start, choose your program from one their three broad categories (eating, finances and living). Eating includes things like losing weight while living includes the perennial vow to quit smoking.

When you choose a specific program—”stop stressing,” for example—you’ll register and pay (programs start at $15.95).

From there you’ll get a detailed “toolkit” that’s made up of daily work plans with step-by-step actions. These include challenges, email reminders, to do lists and a calendar that tracks your progress.

Each program is divided into digestible daily segments with instructions on how to focus your energies.  Of course, what you get out of this will depend on what you put into it.

Change happens, but it’s nice to know there’s help along the way.

Of course, you could take our default route and simply talk about making changes for the next 42 days.

For those who want to minimize there’s SnapGoods, a free online service for sharing and renting tools, household items and gadgets from your neighbors and local businesses.

Sign up for a free account and begin browsing through their library of rentable products. The selection boasts everything from inexpensive DVD box sets (The Wire, $2 per day) to a 14-amp miter saw ($10 per day).

Once you’ve selected an item, you’ll be able to look at more detailed information, including its availability, pick-up location, reservation information and profiles of the renters.

SnapGoods requires you to physically meet the people you’re dealing with at a local business that’s been designated as an official drop-off point.

To add additional security, the service makes users connect via Facebook or by joining one of many established SnapGoods Meetup Groups. This way, you trust the people you’ll be renting from or loaning your stuff to.

You can begin cleaning out that overstuffed closet now.

Put your past behind you with Ex-blocker, a browser plug-in that allows you to block your former significant other’s online activity, allowing you to move on without digital reminders.

Start by selecting your browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari and IE are all supported) and filling in your former lover’s name, Twitter handle and Facebook page info. Then click to download and install the plug-in to your browser.

From then on, any information posted by your ex will be blocked from you with a splash warning whenever you’re about to “accidentally” come across news regarding that special someone from your past.

And, should you ever back slide, unblocking takes just a few clicks. Those with a habit of serial dating miscues will appreciate the capability to add up to five exes at once.

Unfortunately, it won’t get all your stuff back from that person’s apartment.

Thankfully, there’s the new SeamlessWeb mobile app, which allows you to have food delivered to you with more ease than ever before (in 17 U.S. cities and, soon, the U.K).

Just download the app for your iPhone or Blackberry (an Android version is on the way) and create a SeamlessWeb account, if you haven’t done so already via their decidedly less refined-looking site.

It’ll use your current location to compile a list of nearby restaurants that can deliver to you.

If you have an exact dish in mind, you can search for a specific restaurant. If you’re looking to try something new, you can browse by type of cuisine or food. When you order, you can even opt to pay by credit card.

As always, SeamlessWeb incorporates reviews from other customers so you can get a sense of the reputation of the place whose food you may be eating.

Unfortunately, the app doesn’t provide condiments.

Enter Zozi, a new national service that offers deeply discounted deals on activities and events taking place in your locality.

Start by selecting your city–as of today’s national launch they serve New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and 11 other major U.S. metros–to find out what deal is currently available.

They offer everything from sailing excursions to fire eating lessons to racecar driving.  And, in celebration of their national launch, they’re giving away $500,000 in free excursions
in the next 48 hours.
Zozi is able to offer discounts of up to 90% off by ensuring that a specified minimum number of people sign up to get the deal.

Once you sign up for a deal you can share it with your friends to make sure the minimum is met. (If not enough people sign up, you are not charged and a new deal is offered).

If you’re planning a trip be sure to check out their equally exciting vacation packages (like a 7-day kayaking trip in Baja).

Now go climb a mountain (or something like that).

Helping to make this a safe and easy possibility is Roomorama, an online service that allows you to find short-term apartment and home rentals in major cities across the globe.

Start by signing up for a free account, which will give you access to all of the current listings, including photos and descriptions. Their inventory is impressive, covering everywhere from Amsterdam to Yokohama.

Once you find a listing that suits your needs, Roomorama will contact the owner to let them know you’re interested.

All payments are handled online, meaning you won’t have to worry about transfering cash. And Roomorama doesn’t release your payment to the host until they enter the six-digit payment code you give them upon arrival.

If you want learn more about your host’s track record, each of them has a profile where previous visitors can post reviews about their stays.

Yet another reason to buy that private jet…

Special To Netted Readers:
Roomorama is offering $20 of rental credit. Enter the code ROOMORAMA_WEBBYLOVE at checkout to take advantage of this offer. (Offer valid through 10/24/2010).

Forutnately there’s EveryBlock, a website that aggregates information to create a news feed for every block of major American cities.

Start by choosing your city (to date they cover 16 US cities) and entering your local information. You can search by neighborhood name, zip code or specific address.

From there, EveryBlock compiles all the information a local could need. News stories are aggregated from everyone from major news outlets to local blogs, and civic information (such as building permits, crimes and restaurant inspection reports) are included.

EveryBlock also compiles photos from local Flickr accounts, reviews from Yelp, lost and found postings from Craigslist, and user-generated announcements to give it that authentic neighborhood bulletin board feel.

It’s like having Tom Brokaw as your sage, retired neighbor across the way.

Enter Soundcloud, a service that allows you to send, receive and store original music files in one easy location.

Start by creating a free account. From there, you can easily search the site for music and either set tracks as a favorite, download them or share them with others.

If a friend or artist creates a track that they think you should hear, they can easily forward it to your “dropbox.” You can even create a link button for your Facebook page so friends can always add music.

Soundcloud is incredibly fast and there are no limits to file sizes (all formats accepted). You also have control over who gets to listen to your music (stats are compiled on who has listened and downloaded your tracks).

For bands or artists who want unlimited sharing, better stats and full support, there’s the premium service (they start at around $36 per year).

Your mixtape days are about to start again.