Answer 1

see this example to export the db to an .sql/.csv file using commandline
https://mediatemple.net/community/products/dv/204403864/export-and-import-mysql-databases

You can have those instructions in a backup script and crontab(Linux)/Task scheduler(win) executing that script whenever frequently you prefere.

You can save the exported file on a removable/networked drive so that in case of "disaster", your backup doesn't sink with the server.