For backup and recovery of my websites I use backup buddy.
I have recently optimized my webserver configuration to optimize them for speed and safety by using two web hosts and backing up files from one to the other using backup buddy. Unlike the import export tool in wordpress backup buddy backs up all images all databases, everything.
I have setup weekly backups of all my sites using backup buddy. Its actually really easy. I ahve also recently used backup buddy to migrate one of my wordpress blogs to another server.
I also use backup buddy to migrate websites so I can develop them offline.