Database backup

[Big Jim]

I am a complete novice when it comes to anything like this so please feel free to set me straight.

I was in phbMyadmin looking for a handy way to back up my database to my computer,is it as simple as clicking export and saving the database to my computer...?Also if this is the case what file format should i use.Thanks.

[eva2000]

phpmyadmin isn't a reliable backup method, only reliable back up method is via ssh telnet and mysqldump as per vB docs http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/main/moving_servers_backup :)

[lovely_vin]

you can also try SQLYog (free edition), its a nice software to backup/restore your mysql. It would work only if your host allows external db connections.