What is a VPS snapshot and how is it different from a backup?
A VPS snapshot is a point-in-time copy of your entire virtual server state — OS, installed software, configuration files, and data — stored at the hypervisor level. It captures everything instantly (usually under 5 minutes). A backup is typically a file-level or database-level copy, stored separately (often offsite). Key differences: Snapshot restores in 2-5 minutes to exact server state; backup restore may take 30-60 minutes. Snapshots stored on same hardware infrastructure (not protected against hardware failure); backups stored offsite (protected against datacenter incidents). Snapshots cost storage space; old ones must be deleted. Best practice: take a snapshot before any risky server operation (OS upgrade, PHP version change, new software installation), then delete after confirming success. Use backups (restic to Backblaze B2) for disaster recovery. Use both together for maximum protection. Manage snapshots in Connect Quest VPS control panel at connectquest.co.in.