Have you ever worked on a server setup or virtual machine and thought, "What is the difference between a snapshot and a clone?" Don’t worry, lots of people get it confused at first. I know I did! Let's keep this simple.
For example, you're about to install a new piece of software, but you are not sure if it is going to work correctly or create a mess. So first, you take a snapshot. Then, if the update makes your computer stop working, you can revert to the snapshot you created — like pressing "undo."
So why are snapshots useful?
• Quick and easy to take - It takes only a few seconds to take one.
• Small size - It doesn’t copy everything in your storage, just what changed since the last save.
• Great to test stuff - It is really good to use to try new things, or if you are sure it is going to break anyway.
But snapshots are NOT backups. If you delete your original system, you also lose the snapshot. So they are useful, but not sufficient long-term storage.
Think about it this way; A snapshot is like saving in a video game before a major boss and reloading it if something goes wrong, you can re-do it.
• Testing: Allows for some experimentation without impacting your main system.
• Scaling: You can have many clones to use on different machines for consistency.
The downside is that cloning takes longer and takes up disk space because it clones everything. However, it is overall more reliable down the road.
I typically choose snapshots when I am testing new settings whereas I make clones when I want a backup or new system setup.
If it helps, think about it like a snapshot = undo, clone = copy-paste.
The next time you are getting prepared to set up a Virtual Machine, ask yourself: “Am I going to want to revert back to this point at some time, or do I need a full copy now?” Choose wisely and you will save time and aggravations!
And here is one last piece of advice- always have a backup, no matter the scenario. You are going to thank yourself when something breaks (and it always does).
What is a snapshot?
A snapshot is like taking a picture of your computer in a moment in time. You can save that picture, and if anything goes wrong, you can revert to that picture.For example, you're about to install a new piece of software, but you are not sure if it is going to work correctly or create a mess. So first, you take a snapshot. Then, if the update makes your computer stop working, you can revert to the snapshot you created — like pressing "undo."
So why are snapshots useful?
• Quick and easy to take - It takes only a few seconds to take one.
• Small size - It doesn’t copy everything in your storage, just what changed since the last save.
• Great to test stuff - It is really good to use to try new things, or if you are sure it is going to break anyway.
But snapshots are NOT backups. If you delete your original system, you also lose the snapshot. So they are useful, but not sufficient long-term storage.
Think about it this way; A snapshot is like saving in a video game before a major boss and reloading it if something goes wrong, you can re-do it.
What is cloning?
A clone is a complete copy of your system for an individual to later use. Cloning your virtual machine is like making a twin that can live on its own. When you clone a computer or VM, you are replicating it so it appears like the original copied device--it is independent. So, if you used the clone on the same day, you could run both devices or copy the clone to another computer.Why is cloning beneficial?
• Full Backup: A safe copy that does not disappear if something happens to the original and is still present.• Testing: Allows for some experimentation without impacting your main system.
• Scaling: You can have many clones to use on different machines for consistency.
The downside is that cloning takes longer and takes up disk space because it clones everything. However, it is overall more reliable down the road.
Which One Should You Choose?
It totally depends on your purpose. If your main goal is to create a quick safety save, use the snapshot function. For making a full copy that can run on its own, make a clone.I typically choose snapshots when I am testing new settings whereas I make clones when I want a backup or new system setup.
If it helps, think about it like a snapshot = undo, clone = copy-paste.
Final Thoughts
Snapshots allow you to go backward in time. Clones deliver everything you have but can be kept and used later.The next time you are getting prepared to set up a Virtual Machine, ask yourself: “Am I going to want to revert back to this point at some time, or do I need a full copy now?” Choose wisely and you will save time and aggravations!
And here is one last piece of advice- always have a backup, no matter the scenario. You are going to thank yourself when something breaks (and it always does).