Copy production system to set up test environment

How do I make a copy of our Web Help Desk production system in order to have a test environment?  We are currently using SQL Server.

Is it as simple as backing up the database, restoring it to another server, and then pointing a WHD application at it via ODBC?

Once I do this I would need to prevent the test system from being able to send/receive emails.  What is the easiest way to do this, such that I could turn it on and off for testing purposes?

Thanks,

Paul