What Are Snapshots and Backups?
Short answerA snapshot is a point-in-time image of a VM disk (fast rollback, not a full off-site archive). A backup is a copy of data stored separately for recovery — files, databases, or whole-disk images. VPSGrid offers optional Backup Protection; you should still understand DIY backups inside the VPS.
Overview
“Snapshot” and “backup” are often used interchangeably — they are not the same thing. Knowing the difference helps you choose VPSGrid add-ons, plan migrations, and avoid data loss when something goes wrong. Start with general strategy: Backup Best Practices for VPS Owners.
Snapshots vs backups
| Snapshot | Backup | |
|---|---|---|
| What it captures | Disk state at one moment (often whole VM volume) | Selected files, DB dumps, or full images copied elsewhere |
| Speed | Usually fast to create/restore at VM level | Slower — depends on data size and destination |
| Off-site safety | Often lives on same infrastructure — not enough alone for disasters | Best when stored off-server (S3, another DC, CodeGuard, etc.) |
| Typical use | Pre-upgrade rollback, quick revert after bad config | Long-term retention, compliance, ransomware recovery |
Use snapshots for short-term safety nets; use backups for durable recovery you can trust if the whole server or site is gone.
Recovery points
A recovery point is a saved moment you can restore from. Backup Protection plans expose recovery points on a schedule (Essential vs Business tiers differ in retention/frequency — confirm at order time). Each recovery point should represent consistent data — for databases, quiesce or dump before manual snapshots when possible.
VPSGrid Backup Protection
Backup Protection is an optional VPSGrid service that creates recoverable restore points for eligible VPS services:
- Backup Protection Essential
- Backup Protection Business
Deeper product docs:
- What Is VPSGrid Backup Protection?
- How Backup Protection Works
- How to View Backup Protection Status
- Backup Protection Limitations
Backup Protection is not a substitute for understanding what is inside your VM — verify restores periodically.
DIY backups inside your VPS
On unmanaged VPS plans you are always responsible for your data. Common patterns:
- Database dumps —
mysqldump,pg_dumpon a schedule - File archives —
tar/rsyncto remote storage - Application backups — WordPress plugins, panel exports (use trusted tools only)
- Pre-migration — full checklist before OS upgrades — Pre-Migration Backup Checklist
Follow the 3-2-1 mindset: three copies, two media types, one off-site — see Backup Best Practices for VPS Owners.
CodeGuard and website backups (MarketConnect)
For website/file backups without managing scripts yourself, VPSGrid also sells CodeGuard through MarketConnect — automated off-site website backups separate from VPS disk snapshots. Overview: MarketConnect Services Overview, store: CodeGuard.
Pick the tool that matches the asset: VPS-level Backup Protection for whole VM restore points; CodeGuard for site files; DIY scripts for custom app/data logic.
Limitations to plan for
- Snapshots taken while databases are mid-write can be inconsistent unless frozen/quiesced
- Backups consume disk and bandwidth — monitor free space — Disk Is Full on VPS
- Restore drills reveal gaps — test at least once before you need it
- Backup Protection may show “Preparing” until first recovery point — Why Backup Protection May Show Preparing
When to use which
| Scenario | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Before OS dist-upgrade | Snapshot or full backup + tested restore path |
| Production web app | Scheduled DB dumps + file backup off-server; consider Backup Protection or CodeGuard |
| Ransomware / host failure | Off-site backups required — local snapshots alone are insufficient |
| Quick rollback after bad nginx config | Snapshot or recent recovery point |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VPSGrid back up my VPS automatically?
Not by default on standard unmanaged VPS. Optional Backup Protection add-ons provide scheduled recovery points. You should still maintain your own backups for critical data.
Is a snapshot enough for production?
Usually no by itself — pair snapshots with off-site backups and tested restore procedures.
Where do I restore Backup Protection?
Use the Backup Protection workflow in the client area — see How Backup Protection Works (#202) and status article #205.
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Need More Help?
Backup Protection status or billing questions: open a ticket at billing.vpsgrid.net with your service ID.
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