are you using the SQL Agent to run the job. If yes use the query analyzer to tun the backup script.

also see if you backup folder might need the...

7Zip works fine but RedGate is the best

Study from some certifications.

Read books and browse blogs. Look for some intern program.

These are the best way to be a SQL DBA

I also personally recommend RedGate.

If you post the solutions others can get some help.

I would say backup up to the server you want to restore. This will restore a bit faster. But as said earlier this will can be done either way.

I would change the database recovery to simple or bulk logged.

Check if i have lot of space on the drives.

Try DBCC CheckDB and see if that is working fine.