How does one backup a database using the export utility?

Oracle exports are "logical" database backups (not physical) as they extract dat
a and logical definitions from the database into a file. Other backup strategies
normally back-up the physical data files.
One of the advantages of exports is that one can selectively re-import tables, h
owever one cannot roll-forward from an restored export. To completely restore a
database from an export file one practically needs to recreate the entire databa
se.
Always do full system level exports (FULL=YES). Full exports include more inform
ation about the database in the export file than user level exports. For more in
formation about the Oracle export and import utilities, see the Import/ Export F
AQ.
[edit] How does one put a database into ARCHIVELOG mode?
The main reason for running in archivelog mode is that one can provide 24-hour a
vailability and guarantee complete data recoverability. It is also necessary to
enable ARCHIVELOG mode before one can start to use on-line database backups.
Issue the following commands to put a database into ARCHIVELOG mode:
SQL> CONNECT sys AS SYSDBA
SQL> STARTUP MOUNT EXCLUSIVE;
SQL> ALTER DATABASE ARCHIVELOG;
SQL> ARCHIVE LOG START;
SQL> ALTER DATABASE OPEN;
Alternatively, add the above commands into your database's startup command scrip
t, and bounce the database.