how to backup mysql data?

i'm new to mysql. i downloaded the free version for vboard and i'm really suprised how esay it was to install.
i will buy the full version soon but i need to know how to backup the data. i added one forum and one subject but i can not find the data anywhere on my server. how do you backup the data? ftp would do or there is another way?
thanks

You first need to make a dump of your database using the mysqldump command. For the exact use of this command check:

http://www.mysql.com/documentation/mysql/commented/manual.php?section=mysqldump

Then you should be able to download it.

Just expanding on the other reply with regards to mysqldump. Execute it as follows.

mysqldump -u USERNAME -p DATABASENAME > backup.txt

Then download backup.txt as your database backup. Anything ever happens and you want to restore the backup.

mysql -u USERNAME -p DATABASENAME < backup.txt