In Proxmox, a snapshot and a backup serve different purposes and should be used in different situations.
A snapshot is a point-in-time copy of a virtual machine or container, including all its configuration files, disk images, and memory state. Snapshots are useful for creating a backup of the current state of a virtual machine or container before making changes or upgrades. They are also useful for testing and development purposes, as you can quickly revert to a previous state if something goes wrong. However, snapshots are not a substitute for a proper backup, as they do not protect against hardware failures, software bugs, or data corruption.
A backup, on the other hand, is a full copy of a virtual machine or container, including all its data and configuration files. Backups are used to protect against data loss or corruption and are essential for disaster recovery. Proxmox provides several backup methods, including full backups, incremental backups, and replication. Backups can be stored on local disks, network shares, or cloud storage, and can be scheduled to run automatically at regular intervals.
In summary, a snapshot is a temporary backup that allows you to quickly revert to a previous state, while a backup is a more comprehensive and permanent solution for data protection and disaster recovery. Both snapshots and backups are important tools for managing virtual machines and containers in Proxmox and should be used in conjunction with each other for optimal data protection.