Best way to backup/restore?

I use the dba module to create sql backup files. But, these files won't install as backups because of crap like this:

'tablename" varchar(255) NOT NULL default '                                                                                                                                ';

I have to go into every outputed create database statement and remove these spaces. It's a pain in the ass. Is the backup module better?

What is the best Drupal way of backing up a database? I'm no database administrator, which may be obvious. I need to learn a better way.

thanks

mrweaver