What is the term for restoring an existing virtual server?

The term "snapshot and cloning" refers to two related but distinct processes used in managing virtual servers, but when it specifically comes to restoring an existing virtual server, "snapshot" is the more precise term. A snapshot captures the state of a virtual machine at a particular point in time, allowing you to revert the server back to that state as needed. This can be very useful for troubleshooting, updates, or at times when you need to roll back changes.

Cloning, on the other hand, creates an exact copy of an existing virtual server, including its operating system, configurations, and data. While cloning can be useful for scaling environments or creating environments for testing, it does not involve restoring an existing server but rather creating a new instance.

The term "backup" refers to a copy of data stored separately from the original, which is also important for recovery but does not inherently imply that the state of the system is captured in an immediate, easily reversible manner like a snapshot does. Therefore, in the context of restoring an existing virtual server, snapshots are specifically designed for this purpose, capturing the current state and enabling quick recovery.