WordPress Database Backup – MYSQLDUMP – how?

Hi,

I have recently come into some trouble when backing up my databases. My hosts have explained that due to the size of the DB (100mb), it does not complete when using phpMyAdmin to backup. This is unfortunate as this system is the one I have been using since I started with wordpress about 6 years ago. They suggested I try a script with a mysqldump command to backup. I am no hardcore developer (my talents are much more designer based) so this seems like something that might be beyond me having looked at articles on this program. I also have no access to SSH on the server (shared I believe) and this seems to be of quite high importance to the use of mysqldump.

In essence I have no idea about how to go about creating this script or how to implement it. Can anyone point me in the direction of a write up on mysqldump that is both simple but also tailored to the backup of wordpress DBs? Many thanks