How to backup a site

I need to take a full backup of a web page, so that I can install some plugins etc. without risking destruction of the whole site!

Is there any way to do this using SmartFTP? It doesn`t work selecting all the folders, copy them and then download it to my computer, because the contents of the folders won`t be downloaded.

I really do need an answer to this question, it would litterally save my life! So I`ll appreciate your help above anything...

Is there any way to do this using SmartFTP? It doesn`t work selecting all the folders, copy them and then download it to my computer, because the contents of the folders won`t be downloaded.
Well, that should work. At least it works for me :-) As there are several ways to download files in SmartFTP, here's what I recommend:

- Under Tools -> Settings, General -> Navigation make "Queue" the default Drag & Drop operation.
- Connect to the site.
- Press Ctrl-L to open a Local Browser.
- Choose Window -> Tile Horizontally.
- Select all files and folders to download.
- Drag & Drop the selected files from the server window to the Local Browser.

I just started the process, an I can see it is working very well!

The "queue" setting was the solution.

Thank you very very much, eyebex!