Create a public address and watch it.  For example look at:

http://blockchain.info/address/148KkS2vgVi4VzUi4JcKzM2PMaMVPi3nnq

You can send BTC to the public address and verify the amount.  But only if you have the private key associated with the wallet.dat file can you retrieve the BTC.

Restoring it is easy, just install the bitcoin client and replace the wallet.dat with your existing wallet.dat  -  Just be sure to keep multiple secure back-ups.

Also I would highly recommend  Armory  -  bitcoinarmory.com  - very well trusted in the community.  I met those guys at the bitcoin conference and they are very reputable!

I was there, how did I miss your table!  Where you sharing a booth with someone else? Open garden looks really interesting!

Most likely a scam, since 0.1 BTC is worth like $12.50. 

Hello fellow SLC bitcoin newbie.  Hopefully there will be a good turnout!

Can you believe I am a newbie?  Well why else would I post here?