Question: how to use Snapshot (from a noobie)

[ScottNo2]

Sorry for this very basic question.  I inherited VMware from the previous guy and I'm learning about this.  this is my understanding on how Snapshots can work for me:  

I have to upgrade a software package.  so I can take a snapshot.  then install/upgrade the software package. 

if the Upgrade works: GREAT then I "Delete" (which combines) with the original and continue on.

if the Upgrade breaks: I can "Revert" the snapshot, which return to the original (before the snapshot). 

Is it true that on a Revert anything that was done (like adding files or deleting files, or a log that had data added to it) would be lost.  

I also understand that the snapshot should not remain for too long.  it needs to be deleted/combined or reverted.

Is that how Snapshots are used? 

[Gerald Geiger]

Yes and remember that snapshots are not Backups even though some people try. They are captures of moment in time using Deltas. They can be used for software reverions and i would say only if the uninstall process provided with the application failed.

What you shouldnt do is let the VM run for a few days and revert back to the snapshot you took today

[Alexandru Capras]

There's no such thing as a "basic" question here. I've noticed people in these communities like to talk about anything VMware-related. And you’ve described exactly how snapshots should be used.

Snapshots shouldn’t be kept for long periods, ideally, they should be deleted within 24 to 72 hours of creation.
Snapshots are usually small at first, under 100 MB if you do not snapshot the virtual machines memory. If you select memory, an additional amount equal to the amount of RAM a virtual machine has is created in the .vmsn file.

The growth of snapshots depends on how many disk changes happen on the virtual machine. If few changes are made, they remain small and if many changes are made, they grow larger. It can vary depending on the role of your server. Snapshots of database and exchange servers grow quickly, snapshots of web and active directory servers usually grow slowly. They have the potential to grow up to the maximum size of the virtual machine disk.