** Noob Query - Back-ups **

[fedorama]

Hi, I'm a noob , and don't come from an IT/Programming back-ground, but more than make up for it in adaptability and logic.

I'm a layman with an analytical mind , and I'll tell ya what I understand and what exact part I don't.

I have a domain and the forums installed directly in public_html.

I want to back-up using SSH - I have an SSH client on my Mac , I have enabled access, and successfully tested accessing my server via SSH.

I read the vBulletin sheet on backing up via SSH/Telnet, and it seems like a simple one line command and PRESTO ! = This is the command -

mysqldump --opt -Q -u dbusername -p databasename > backupname.sql

And for backing up in another directory -

mysqldump --opt -Q -u dbusername -p databasename > /path/to/backupname.sql

So there are 3 variables - the database username, database name, and backup name, plus entering the db password to authenticate.

Am I logically following this correctly at this point > OK !

Say my db username is 'iceman25' and my db name is 'iceman25_vb', then in my SSH client I would enter -

mysqldump --opt -Q -u iceman25 -p iceman25_vb > backupname.sql

Is the above correct - now my most important question and sticking point - the backup databse.

Can I enter say "iceman25_backup.sql" for the back-up destination, click enter, enter db password, and everthing starts backing up ?

Or does a folder have to be created through FTP or something.

The same thing regarding backing to a different directory - should a folder be created manually, then when I'm in the SSH client I enter the back-up name, or is a directory created by using the above command ?

Your patience and attention is greatly appreciated fellows !

--------------- Added [DATE]1215013253[/DATE] at [TIME]1215013253[/TIME] ---------------

Anyone ?

Anybody ?

Somebody ?

* deafening silence after the echo **