Best way to make a copy of an existing sql server database to another (physical) server

Hello!
What is the best way to make a copy of an existing sql server database to another (physical) server?
Plan to make a full backup of another sql server database to another server. I've read about detach and attach
and copying the datafiles and log files but some say it is prone to data loss? Is this true?

And another thing, what if the existing sql server can't affor downtime for me to copy db files etc.?

Anybody here who have done the same?

Any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

(a) if u don't have down time then the best method is Backup/restore...

(b) If you have down time both Detach/attach and backup/restore can be used. ..

(c) You can also use COPY Database Wizards

(d) You have to copy all the server level components to the new server. by copying use database Jobs/Packages/operator etc are not copied

(e) If you have to transfer the login also refer http://support.microsoft.com/kb/246133

I would always prefer Backup/restore method

Madhu

|||Thank you very much!