What is a system image?

A system image refers to a comprehensive copy of the operating system and all installed applications, including system settings and files essential for a system to function as it did at the time the image was created. This allows for complete restoration of the system to a specific point in time, which can be beneficial for recovery purposes in case of failures, corruption, or unwanted changes to the operating environment.

This type of image includes not just the operating system but also everything necessary to restore the user's computing environment, such as drivers and configurations. Therefore, it serves as a critical tool for system administrators and users alike to ensure quick recovery and continuity of operations after a system failure or when upgrading hardware. Other options do not encompass the full scope of what a system image entails; for example, a backup of user files does not include system files or configurations, while a snapshot of the current RAM state captures temporary data and is not meant for long-term recovery. An installation guide, on the other hand, is instructional and does not serve as a functional copy of the system.