[Typo3-install] Backup: T3D vs. MySQL dump+files

[Robert Markula]

Hi guys,
This may be a naive question, but what is the best way to backup data?
It it better/safer to use the import/export wizard (impexp) or using a 
MySQL dump plus a backup of all files in fileadmin/, typo3conf/ and 
uploads/? By the way, which folders do you recommend to back up?

Plus, what is the best way to replicate the whole website on local 
machines for testing/demonstration purposes using WOS (webserver on 
stick)? Of course, I don't want to install all extensions/set all 
settings by hand each time, so ideally it would only require to plug in 
the USB stick with WOS, then import the t3d file or import the MySQL 
dump and then copy all files in fileadmin/, uploads/ and typo3conf/ to 
the local install (and, of course, set the right MySQL login, password, 
db name and db host in the localconf.php).

Regards,
Ro