Snapshot - Creating an Oracle Virtual Box Snapshot

 

 

A snapshot is a method of taking a "picture" of the operating system at a specific point in time.

If an error occurs, we can restore the operating system from the snapshot to a specific point in time.

Some of our labs suggest creating a snapshot before proceeding.

Most of these labs require you to edit a system configuration file or run a script that intentionally alters the system state and requires you to repair the damage done by the script.

You may create a snapshot while the operating system is running, paused, or shutdown.

  

 

Creating a Snapshot While Working in an Operating System Terminal

 

To create a  snapshot use the key sequence + T (lower case t works), or use the menu as illustrated below.

The host key on Windows systems is the right control key.  The host key on MAC systems is the left command key.

 

 

The initial snapshot window will look like the illustration below.

 

 

Insert a snapshot name and description

We suggest using the chapter name and the lab name e.g., Commands_CommandTypesAndPrecedence, for snapshots created prior to working on a lab.

 

                                 
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We suggest using incremental snapshot names e.g, Commands_1, Commands_2, when working on a specific chapter, but not working on a lab.

 

 

                       

Once you have completed a chapter and its labs you can remove the chapter's snapshots to regain disk space.  Having a snapshot naming format makes this task easier.

Once the information is entered select OK.

 

 

Verifying the Snapshot

Once the snapshot is created open the Oracle Virtual Machine Manager.

Left-click on the machine that you just created the snapshot on. 

You should see the name of the most recent snapshot in parenthesis after the machine name.

 

 

Left-click on the menu bar and select Snapshots. 

The window to the right will display all snapshots that exist for that machine.

 

 

To verify the properties of the snapshot left-click on the snapshot name you just created.

 

 

Select the Properties icon above the top right window.

 

  

The window below will contain two tabs; Attributes and Information.

The Attributes tab will display the snapshot name and description.

 

 

The Information tab will display the virtual machine configuration at the time the snapshot was created.

 

 

 

Creating a Snapshot From Oracle Virtual Machine Manager

 

Open Oracle Virtual Machine Manager.

Left-click on the machine that you wish to create a snapshot for.

 

 

 

Left-click on the menu bar and select Snapshots. 

  

 

Select Current State

 

 

Select the Take icon above the top right window.

 

 

Follow the instructions for adding a snapshot name and description explained above.

Select OK

Verify the snapshot was created,.