backing up databases

[lockmac]

Hi. My dad used to use VERITAS to backup his SQL Database but we have changed to a different method and are going to use a different program. The database that all his information is SQL on his server and around 5 computers connect to the database. What I did was I copied the files to a external hdd but the IT guy told us that I shouldn't backup a live database as I run the risk of causing data corruption etc.

I am using a new program to backup the data and am wondering what do I need to do, like how did VERITAS backup the database? Is this true what was told to me?

Sorry I know this is a really brief way of putting my situation but im just uncertain as to how I should go about backing up his data, like do I need to make sure everyone is logged out of their client programs on the 6 computers that are at his office?

Any help appreciated Thanks

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Hmm. Don't know about potential corruption when backing up a live database. I have done it over a thousand times with zero problems.

For a scheduled backup, I just setup a "job" on the SQL server to backup each database nightly as a .BAK file and that directory is then backup up on tape.