Backup DB - How often

[Son Nguyen]

I know the decision depends on the nature of the data.
However, for example with SP, how often a backup of DB is generated?
Since say everyday there is a backup, what about new users sign up at SPF on that day?
Anyway, any suggestion would be great.

[prequel]

for me i use to backup my vB's database 3 times a day, but now i do that once in the morning and once at night.

check this thread for a dump script for vB (i don't use it)
http://vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=4256

[Son Nguyen]

But new threads/posts/signups after backup time will not be included in the backup?

And if the system crashes (for whatever reason!), how would you deal with that?

Thanks

[James]

No anything that happens after backup time wouldn't be included, but as long as you back up frequently that shouldn't be more than a few hours worth of data.
You could use some of the command-line mySQL programs to actually restore the backup - you could also use phpMyAdmin.
At eDevBoards I've been backing it up once a day, but I'm gonna get that program prequel mentioned running now and do it automatically. Thanks for the link prequel

[Son Nguyen]

Well, actually I use crontab to do it for me! How could I stay night by night doing the backup!!!

Say for an active site like SPF, in such situation, the new user that signs up just after the backup and before the crash probably has to register + post again?!