Understanding GhostBSD System Backups

This guide explains what a system backup (snapshot) in GhostBSD contains, what it does not contain, and how it behaves in real-world scenarios. It’s written for beginners who want clarity without diving deep into the root filesystem.

What Is a Snapshot?

GhostBSD uses ZFS, a powerful file system that allows you to take snapshots of your system. A snapshot is a frozen image of your system at a specific point in time. It includes:

• All system files and configurations
• Installed applications and their settings
• User files and desktop environment tweaks

What It Does Not Include

• External drives or partitions not managed by ZFS
• Files stored outside the ZFS dataset (e.g. mounted USBs)
• Changes made after the snapshot was taken

Example Scenario

Let’s walk through a simple example:

• You install GhostBSD and create Snapshot 1 right after installation.
• You install GIMP, switch to ZSH, and apply a theme. Then you create Snapshot 2.
• You uninstall GIMP and continue using your system.

Restoring Snapshot 2

If you restore Snapshot 2, your system will return to the exact state it was in when that snapshot was taken. That means:

• GIMP will be reinstalled and fully functional
• Your ZSH shell and theme will be restored
• Any changes made after Snapshot 2 (like uninstalling GIMP) will be undone

Why This Matters

Snapshots are a powerful safety net. They allow you to experiment freely, knowing you can roll back to a known-good state. This is especially useful when testing new software or writing tutorials for others.

Tips for Beginners

• Use simple, descriptive names for snapshots (e.g. PostShellConfig)
• Take a snapshot before installing or removing major applications
• Keep a log of what each snapshot represents

With this approach, you’ll not only protect your system—you’ll also build a reproducible, teachable workflow that others can follow.