Two different tools for different situations.
SNAPSHOTS
A point-in-time image of the entire server. Restoring returns the whole machine to that state.
Fast to take and fast to restore. Ideal before a risky change: take one, make the change, roll back if it goes wrong.
Usually stored within the provider's infrastructure, so they do not protect against losing the account or a provider-level failure.
Restoring rolls back everything, including data written since.
FILE BACKUPS
Copies of specific files and database dumps, stored wherever you choose.
Portable, restorable to any server, and selectable, so you can restore one file without rolling back everything.
Slower to take and slower to restore fully.
USING BOTH
Snapshots before changes and for fast recovery. File backups stored independently for real disaster protection and for granular restores.
THE MISTAKE
Relying on snapshots alone. They are excellent for undoing a change and inadequate as a disaster recovery strategy.
