Fly By Wire. Is it safe???

Can I ask what everyone thinks of Fly By Wire.

I know that using computers and hydraulic systems on Civilian Airliners and high speed Military aircraft is vital because at those speeds, the control surfaces would be almost impossible to move but what happens if there is a computer malfunction or some other fault? Do you just scream for 60 before you hit the ground?

Is there some sort of mechanical backup on these aircraft as standard or not. I know that most military aircraft are fitted with ejection seats but what about airliners?

Could there be a pulley based mechanical connection as a backup to make the aircraft easier to control under such circumstances? What does everyone think?