mysql backup

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/backup-methods.html

MySql data file copy is a valid process for MyISAM engine!!

1. Making Backups by Copying Table Files
2. Making Delimited-Text File Backups
3. Making Backups with mysqldump or mysqlhotcopy
4. Making Incremental Backups by Enabling the Binary Log
5. Making Backups Using Replication Slaves
6. Recovering Corrupt Tables
7. Making Backups Using a File System Snapshot