CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Which backup method involves creating a point-in-time image of a virtual machine's data?

1. Tape backups

2. Cloning

3. Image backups

4. Snapshots

The correct answer is: Snapshots

The backup method that involves creating a point-in-time image of a virtual machine's data is known as snapshots. Snapshots capture the entire state of a virtual machine at a specific moment, including the operating system, application data, and system settings. This allows for a quick recovery to that exact state later if needed. Snapshots are particularly useful in environments where changes are made frequently, as they enable administrators to revert to a stable version of the system easily. While other methods such as tape backups, cloning, and image backups also serve as ways to secure data, they do not function in the same immediate, state-saving capacity that snapshots do. Tape backups are more traditional and typically involve transferring data to tape media, which may take longer and not capture live system states as snapshots do. Cloning creates an exact copy of an entire system, which can be useful but may not provide the incremental benefits associated with snapshots. Image backups resemble snapshots in that they also take complete images of systems, but they tend to be used for more comprehensive backup solutions rather than instant state captures. Thus, snapshots are the most suitable choice for creating point-in-time images specifically for virtual machines.