Backing up and updating Wordpress

[Layman]

I'm a real novice. I don't do coding or anything. I have a blog I installed with fantastico.Can I back it up by downloading the blog folder to my hard drive? Can I then update through Fantastico?

[John]

I'm not very familiar with Fantastico, but from what I understand it provides for an easy initial installation - but upgrades need to go through the standard process. Not 100% sure on that part of things.

In regards to backing up, the most important thing will be backing up your database. Downloading all your script installation files is a good idea as well, but you should be able to nearly completely replace that even if you loose all those files. The database with all your posts and viewer comments is the most important.