How reliable are site backups. I did a back up of my site (raq). File was very small compared to what I had expected. What exactly is backed up, I asked for all files?

I have asked the host as well but want some unbiased views from those who have used this function.

the backup from a RAQ is merely a .tar or a .tar.gz file.

Rename its extension to .tar.gz, open it using some program (winzip for example) and you will see what files are included in it.

You should always backup your data to something elsewhere then in the had drive you are using.

Such as a CD, Zip Drive, Floppy, Online Hardrive.