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893 Posts
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7373
August 19th, 2008 03:00
Sandbox or similar software question.
I would like to find out is there any programs which may allow me to start setup of untrusty application, and delete all the entries if I don't want to have at the end.
In the other words, create some type of safe virtual environment for testing new programs, allowing the user to accept the changes, or to throw evrything away, if any problems seem to be occuring.
One of similar applications I used to use is Norton GoBack, but it is cumbersome, need PC reboot, takes at times long time (sometimes) to backup info on reboot, and have installation size limitation - 8 GB. Also, many backup programs cannot run while GoBAck is activated (and , even while not activated in Safe Mode Goback is continuously monitoring your PC - additional equivivalent of System REstore - and is effective one). I am planning to install Acronis True Image Home after reinstallation of OS, but I know for fact that Acronis Partitioning manager cannot even open while GoBack is activated - only Paragon can!
I heard about sandbox software, but googling doesn't produce good results and hear in diffirent application reviews statement like "I opened this proggy in sandbox, did not like and throw everything away", but no mention what sandbox title they used?
Also, I am not interesting in programs that sandbox Internet browsing, but rather protect during program installation.
And please do not start discussion related to P2P (I checked search with sandbox - too many mentioning of P2P). The risks are known and accepted if necessary. Privacy risks are for noobs, who use KaZaa look alike P2Ps, which opens person's PC to the whole world...
Any serious replies are welcome.
I appreciate any constructive suggestions.
Free/paid programs are o.k.
Appreciate in advance to anyone who will spent their time to provide any help in this matter.
Thank you.
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dg1261
623 Posts
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August 19th, 2008 07:00
I would agree with you about Norton GoBack. Stay far, far away from it.
You might try one of the following approaches.
(1) Take a look at Sandboxie. You can sandbox selected applications.
(2) Take a look at Microsoft's SteadyState. Similar to Sandboxie, but I think the main difference is it works on the level of the entire Windows session. I think SteadyState's intended purpose is to preserve the state of shared computers in computer labs, kiosks or public computers, where you would want to prevent users from making permanent or unwanted changes to Windows, but an administrator might periodically want to update the baseline state (such as applying Windows updates).
(3) Use virtualization software such as Virtual PC, VMWare, or VirtualBox. Unlike the other two suggestions, these are not designed to allow/deny changes to your primary Windows installation. Instead, they allow you to setup an alternate Windows installation to avoid risk to your primary installation.
If you were testing a prospective application, the first two approaches above would have you testing the prospect against your primary Windows installation, but affording you the opportunity to discard the changes at the end of the test session if you decide not to keep it. In contrast, the third approach involves installing a second Windows (or even a non-Windows OS) installation as a virtual machine, testing the prospect there, and if you decide to keep it you would then reinstall it in your primary Windows installation.
kisianik
893 Posts
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August 19th, 2008 16:00
Basically, after reviewing your reply, I realized that I am looking for more different programs like Sandboxie. Or it is the only one in this category? All what I need is to created isolated environment (not a complete separate OS - like vitual) for opening and installation testing of 1 program at time. And have option, based on proggy's behaviour, accept or deny changes to PC.
So, is there any more programs like Sandboxie (in terms of PC installation testing, not safe Internet browsing), do I have a choice, or I have to just take it as it is.
Just a little bit more.
Appreciate for anyone's help.
Thanks
dg1261
623 Posts
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August 19th, 2008 19:00
"I am looking for more different programs like Sandboxie. Or it is the only one in this category"
I use virtualization a lot, but don't really follow this particular subcategory and Sandboxie is the only one I've heard about. This is still a fledgling technology, so I think your choices might be rather limited until more people realize the value of sandboxing and virtualization. I suggest you try asking in one of the grc.com newsgroups. There's a lot of security-minded people there that have experience with this stuff.