VirtualBox versus VMware and Parallels

[aigle]

Can anybody comment how good is VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/) as compared to VMware and parallels.

I tried it briefly( installed ubuntu and XP) and it seems good. It,s free, open source and small download( about 11 MB only versus 150 MB of VMware server and 20 MB of Parallels).

The only main problem I encountered that on my widescreen laptop, the Virtual Machine was not really full screen.
But I hope thy will improve it.

[Meriadoc]

wilbertnl comments here (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=157504&page=6)

[aigle]

Thanks. Will read it.

[zopzop]

i'm dying to test this vs killdisk! i know other VM type software couldn't stop the virus from wrecking havoc.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
I'm testing it. Works well so far. Very intuitive. Simple.
I'll check it later on Ubuntu and Suse, see how it works. Looks good. Only 14 more virtualization programs to go....
Mrk

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Hello,
I'm testing it. Works well so far. Very intuitive. Simple.
I'll check it later on Ubuntu and Suse, see how it works. Looks good." }-

Pls do tell us ur impressons later, esp as compared to VMware.

-{ Quote: "
Only 14 more virtualization programs to go....
Mrk" }-

lol

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "i'm dying to test this vs killdisk! i know other VM type software couldn't stop the virus from wrecking havoc." }-
KillDisk will work here as this is simple OS virtualization, not a security sandbox. However I am not sure if KillDisk will breakthrough guest OS, hope not!

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,

My impressions so far:

Tried it on computers already ICS/NAT-ed. VirtualBox does not like this. Creating host interfaces and bridging them was a major pain in the pickle. So I gave up on it. NAT would not work.

Otherwise, nice and stable, but without networking, not much of a use for me.

A separate network driver would be nice, a la VMware Server...

Mrk

P.S. I'm now installing this on another network, see how things work out. I will not install it on the gateway machine, I'll install it one of the clients, which see the Internet as plug-in-play... through the gateway.

See you in about 30 min.

[wilbertnl]

-{ Quote: "Pls do tell us ur impressons later, esp as compared to VMware." }-
Aigle, I notice that you want to compare the alternatives in virtulization with VMware.
Are you referring to the paid VMware Workstation or the free VMware Player/Server?

The paid [$189] VMware Workstation 5.5 is the Rolls Royce compared to any other VM. It has the most features and performs solid.

The paid [$49] Parallels Workstation for Win (http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/) and the free VMware Server (http://www.vmware.com/products/server/)/Player (http://www.vmware.com/products/player/),VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/) or Virtual PC (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx) all have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to pick which features you need and go with the product that offers that.

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Tried it on computers already ICS/NAT-ed. VirtualBox does not like this. Creating host interfaces and bridging them was a major pain in the pickle. So I gave up on it. NAT would not work." }-I have set up and not seeing this problem. I just left the VM as NAT, this now uses my main NIC to connect out via "Virtualbox.exe" with is acting as proxy for the VM.
I have set up the NIC as a shared connection to see if this causes a problem, but all o.k. Client PC and VM can both connect out.

[tony62]

-{ Quote: "Tried it on computers already ICS/NAT-ed. VirtualBox does not like this. Creating host interfaces and bridging them was a major pain in the pickle. So I gave up on it. NAT would not work." }-
I have tested this also and had no problems. I have been using Ubuntu on a XP Pro host.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,

I took a bit longer than I previously stated.

Results:

On a network with ICS/NAT, gateway connects via l2tp, pptp, pppoe dialer, virtualbox cannot connect.
On a network with ICS/NAT, gateway connects directly, virtualbox cannot connect.
On a network with ICS/NAT, clients connects without problem.

On a good side, memory footprint for virtual machines is very low.

Mrk

[Stem]

Hi Mrkvonic,
How are you trying to set this up. If you just want to connect out through the VM to browse, collect mail etc, then just set up VM NAT. Setting up a Host Interface is only needed if you want to connect into the VM (from the Host, or use the VM as server).

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,

Sure, simple NAT. Does not work on cables / adsl with vpn dialer that establishes the internet connection and is shared with the home (lan) network.

As I specified, works charmingly on direct connection - where the cable modem connects automatically and anything behind it is plug-and-play or with client machines on lan, which also directly connect.

However, I was unable to NAT on cables / adls, because the computer has an internal IP address that belongs to the ISP, while the dialer (over ethernet) is the connection that actually reaches the Internet. So the NAT results in the local subnet of the ISP being shared, which does not have an Internet connection. The dialer allows home (lan) networks to connect through it, of which the gateway is also a part of, on another interface... See the trick?

Gateway connections:

Cable / ADSL intranet
PPTP / L2TP / PPPOE VPN dialer that connects to the Internet over the above intranet
Home lan

The VPN allows Home lan to connect (192.168.0.x), which is the gateway as well as other computers.

NAT for VB results in it being shared on the intranet, which has no Internet access....

This is the ailment of the gateway... no worries. Clients and direct connection works well.

Mrk

[Stem]

Hi Mrkvonic,

You have NIC either connected to router or direct to internet. (NIC_01)

You have NIC connected for LAN/ICS (NIC_02) this is normally 192.168.0.1

You have VM NIC (NIC_03)

You first bridge NIC_02 + NIC_03
You then place fixed IP onto bridge of 192.168.0.1/255.255.255.0

You then set NIC_01 as shared. This then places ICS PC + VM onto LAN of 192.168.0.0/24 with gateway 192.168.0.1

[Stem]

One thing I cannot find on VirtualBox is the ability to clone a VM.

[aigle]

There are snapshots but unfortunately u can,t go back n forth in these snapshots as far as I understand.

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Aigle, I notice that you want to compare the alternatives in virtulization with VMware.
Are you referring to the paid VMware Workstation or the free VMware Player/Server?

The paid [$189] VMware Workstation 5.5 is the Rolls Royce compared to any other VM. It has the most features and performs solid.

The paid [$49] Parallels Workstation for Win (http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/) and the free VMware Server (http://www.vmware.com/products/server/)/Player (http://www.vmware.com/products/player/),VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/) or Virtual PC (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx) all have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to pick which features you need and go with the product that offers that." }-
Thanks, u are right. I have just started to try VMs first time so I just installed a trial of parallels to see what is the difenrence in paid versus free VMs.
Regarding VMware I was talking of free VMware server.

[aigle]

I insataled XP but I was not able to get a full screen view. Also I could not use internet in it, no suppot for modem I think. Does VMware Server support modem? Any info?

[Mrkvonic]

-{ Quote: "Hi Mrkvonic,

You have NIC either connected to router or direct to internet. (NIC_01)

You have NIC connected for LAN/ICS (NIC_02) this is normally 192.168.0.1

You have VM NIC (NIC_03)

You first bridge NIC_02 + NIC_03
You then place fixed IP onto bridge of 192.168.0.1/255.255.255.0

You then set NIC_01 as shared. This then places ICS PC + VM onto LAN of 192.168.0.0/24 with gateway 192.168.0.1" }-

Hello,

No, unfortunately NIC01 is NOT connected to router or direct to Internet. I have no router.

NIC01 is connected to ISP LAN - another internal address subnet. Giant LANs.

ONLY after I dial VPN I get the IP on THIS connection. NIC01 remains with its internal ISP address. That's why it's dialers OVER ethernet.

Sorry, that's the way it works here...

If NIC01 was establishing connection to router / Internet, there would be no problems.

Indeed, with comps that directly connect, no problems.
Indeed, with clients, which for all practical purposes, simply directly connect, no problems.

Problems arise only with dial connections.

Why do you think I wrote that article about configuring PPTP dialer for Linux? A curse of special infrastructures ....

Mrk

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "No, unfortunately NIC01 is NOT connected to router or direct to Internet. I have no router.

" }-That really makes no difference. If you can connect your private LAN(ICS) then bridging the VM with the ICS will just make the VM part of your ICS connection.
If you can connect with ICS lan, then you can connect with VM LAN when this is bridged and sharing ICS, as both will be using 192.168.0.1 as gateway, and all nodes (including VM) will be on LAN 192.168.0.0/24

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
I hope I'm not babbling too much - in Windoze, you cannot bridge a connection that's part of ICS. Maybe you can conduct a little experiment....?
Mrk

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Maybe you can conduct a little experiment....?" }-I already set this up before posting instructions. You do of course have to first unshare your main NIC, the only point I missed out, but thought you would understand that.

If you start with the 3 NICS. The Main NIC as installed (not sharing), with your main IP (be it Wan/ extended LAN whatever), this is not yet set up as shared.
You then have your NIC that is connected to your home LAN, and you have the NIC you have created for the VM. (both these set to get IP auto)

You bridge the VM and home LAN NICS (I then set the bridge as 192.168.0.1),... you then set up the main NIC as shared for ICS.

[aigle]

Why it wants to connent to internet? Any comments pls!

[Stem]

Hi aigle,
When VM is set up as NAT, "Virtualbox.exe" acts as proxy for VM m/c`s
(I posted this info here (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=931069#post931069))

[aigle]

Thanks. Having no knowledge and experience of networking, I was not able to know from ur previous posting and was afraid may be it is something like calling home etc.

[Stem]

Hi aigle,
Yes, I understand your concern. Whenever I set up for software like this, I normally set rules to allow the software only limited internet access (set rules to allow only a few known sites) with rules to block and log any other connection attempts (just to check,.... and everything is logged with external gateway anyway), so if I see any unauthorised comms, I will let you know.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
Stem, thanks for the clarifications.
Indeed, what you offer is viable, I might consider it... But you know me - tweaking = Linux...
Mrk

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "There are snapshots but unfortunately u can,t go back n forth in these snapshots as far as I understand." }-Confirmed. You can only delete a snapshot, which takes you back to a previous state.

I have found that you can create a "Clone" [vboxmanage clonevdi] which I have just done. So that is good news. I also like the ability to create a second (and 3rd) VM HD to attach to the VM, so backups(img) can be made and saved to the slave HD.

[Peter2150]

I am using VMware Workstation. It has the multiple snapshot capability very much like Rollback, although you can do things, none of the other Rollback type programs will handle, like totally changing or messing up the harddrive, and changing snapshot, fixes it like nothing happened.

As to security, I treat it like any other machine, Firewall, Av, etc.

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Confirmed. You can only delete a snapshot, which takes you back to a previous state.

I have found that you can create a "Clone" [vboxmanage clonevdi] which I have just done. So that is good news. I also like the ability to create a second (and 3rd) VM HD to attach to the VM, so backups(img) can be made and saved to the slave HD." }-

Thanks.
So where is the colne option?

[wilbertnl]

-{ Quote: "Thanks.
So where is the colne option?" }-
You create a clone on the command line. It's explained in the user manual (http://virtualbox.org/download/UserManual.pdf).

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,

A few more impressions:

Works well on XP and Ubuntu, provided NAT is successful :)
All in all, pretty stable and mature. Did not have any errors with the software.
Looks quite fine. All that remains to complete a cycle is to see whether creating a host interface and bridging it will work...

Mrk

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "You create a clone on the command line. It's explained in the user manual (http://virtualbox.org/download/UserManual.pdf)." }-
Thanks, I don,t know Command line. ATM I just copy the virtual drive via explorer.

[Stem]

Hi aigle,
-{ Quote: "ATM I just copy the virtual drive via explorer." }-This will not work, as when the new "clone" is created a UUID is also created/needed, if not, an error will show when importing into the "Vitual disk manager".

I will run through how I cloned my VM.

First and important is that the location of the VM`s and VDI files are setup correctly. If you have installed to the default directories when creating the VM then all will be O.K., if you changed these locations then you need to enter these in: Virtualbox ~"file ~Global settings".

You then need to open the windows "command window" (start menu ~Run ~CMD)
(NOTE:- for this example, the VM I want to clone is "VM01", and the clone(copy) will be "VM02")

Directory: "Innotek virtualbox" (if installed to defaults, then at the command prompt type: cd\program files\innotek virtualbox)
Then at the command prompt type vboxmanage clonevdi VM01.vdi VM02.vdi

This will then clone(copy) the VM (original "VM01" -->> Clone "VM02") and save it in the same location as VM01.

You then need to add the new VM to the disk manager: Open Virtualbox ~"File ~Virtual disk manager" and use the "Add" button to add the new VM.

You then start the process of creating a new VM: open Virtualbox ~"New" follow the creation of this as you would normally, but when you get to the popup for "Virtual Hard Disk" you select "Existing" and select the clone VM you created.

Hope this helps.

[Rasheed187]

OK quick question, are VirtualBox and Parallels any better than VMWare Workstation? Are they faster? Also, can I install them both even when VMWare is already on my system? TIA ;)

[Peter2150]

-{ Quote: "OK quick question, are VirtualBox and Parallels any better than VMWare Workstation? Are they faster? Also, can I install them both even when VMWare is already on my system? TIA ;)" }-

I think WilbertNL said it best when he said VMware Workstation is the cadillac. If you already have the full workstation I'd forget it.

Pete

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Hi aigle,
This will not work, as when the new "clone" is created a UUID is also created/needed, if not, an error will show when importing into the "Vitual disk manager".

I will run through how I cloned my VM.

First and important is that the location of the VM`s and VDI files are setup correctly. If you have installed to the default directories when creating the VM then all will be O.K., if you changed these locations then you need to enter these in: Virtualbox ~"file ~Global settings".

You then need to open the windows "command window" (start menu ~Run ~CMD)
(NOTE:- for this example, the VM I want to clone is "VM01", and the clone(copy) will be "VM02")

Directory: "Innotek virtualbox" (if installed to defaults, then at the command prompt type: cd\program files\innotek virtualbox)
Then at the command prompt type vboxmanage clonevdi VM01.vdi VM02.vdi

This will then clone(copy) the VM (original "VM01" -->> Clone "VM02") and save it in the same location as VM01.

You then need to add the new VM to the disk manager: Open Virtualbox ~"File ~Virtual disk manager" and use the "Add" button to add the new VM.

You then start the process of creating a new VM: open Virtualbox ~"New" follow the creation of this as you would normally, but when you get to the popup for "Virtual Hard Disk" you select "Existing" and select the clone VM you created.

Hope this helps." }-
Hi Stem, thanks for the spoon feeding, that,s realy i needed. I will try this sure.
BTW, before I just copied the virtual HD, then created a new VM and added this copied HD to this VM and that worked.

[Stem]

Hi Rasheed187,
I have found VirtualBox to run very stable, there is a need to dig deep into the user guide to find the options available, and a need to be able to "read between the lines" on some explanations, but I do quite like this.

Parallels I have found on my system/setup to be a little unstable at times, I have had a few "hangs" within the VM`s, so I did not test this out for very long.

Now if the above 2 are as good as VMware, well this would really be down to the user. For example Virtualbox will do what I want/need from a VM program, so why pay for VMware when Vitualbox is available for free? (although I do already have a license for VMware).

-{ Quote: "Are they faster?" }-I have not made any comparrison tests, but as example, VirtualBox does not require the installation of an "Addon" to make the screen/mouse work correctly (Like VMware)

-{ Quote: "can I install them both even when VMWare is already on my system" }-I have not attempted this, but I do not see a problem simply from the installation, but I would not run 2 VM programs (example VirtualBox+VMware) at the same time.

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "BTW, before I just copied the virtual HD, then created a new VM and added this copied HD to this VM and that worked." }-Interesting, I only attempted the Copy as you mentioned after your post, and VirtualBox complained that the UUID was already in use. I will have another play.

[Inspector Clouseau]

I can highly recommend Parallels. However, i'm running it on a Mac so i don't know about the Win32 native version. But as far as i can tell i'm very happy with it. USB 2.0 is working (now) after the last update and i never had any stability problems. (using it almost 12 hours each day) Win XP and Vista runs fine on my Mac. The funny thing is it even runs faster than on my native windows work desktop. That should answer the speed question of Parallels. It is able to use several CPU's together. For example i spend one CPU in my Mac for Parallels the other one i use for OSX.

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "BTW, before I just copied the virtual HD, then created a new VM and added this copied HD to this VM and that worked." }-Hi aigle, could you explain what you did. As when adding a drive(vdi) it needs to go through the "Virtual Disk Manager", and as I mentioned, when I attempt this I get an error.

[Stem]

Hello Inspector Clouseau,
-{ Quote: "I can highly recommend Parallels." }-I did have problem with system BSOD with earlier versions of Parallels, the later versions do install, but as mentioned I have hangs within the VM`s. Maybe a conflict with one of my drivers?

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Hi aigle, could you explain what you did. As when adding a drive(vdi) it needs to go through the "Virtual Disk Manager", and as I mentioned, when I attempt this I get an error." }-Sorry stem u are right. I got a bit of confusion. Same vdi can,t be used twice. Actually one of my VM was corrupted today so I deleted it. I had backup of it vdi made many days back, so I used that vdi to reconstruct the VM. But sure if u don,t delete the current VM u obviously can,t use its copied vdi in a new VM.

BTW I have another Q. It seems there is no dial up modem suport in VMs created by VB. Am I right? If so what about VMware, does it supports modem?

Thanks

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "I can highly recommend Parallels. However, i'm running it on a Mac so i don't know about the Win32 native version. But as far as i can tell i'm very happy with it. USB 2.0 is working (now) after the last update and i never had any stability problems. (using it almost 12 hours each day) Win XP and Vista runs fine on my Mac. The funny thing is it even runs faster than on my native windows work desktop. That should answer the speed question of Parallels. It is able to use several CPU's together. For example i spend one CPU in my Mac for Parallels the other one i use for OSX." }-

They have a mac version in work, in alpha stage and will go in beta soon.

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "BTW I have another Q. It seems there is no dial up modem suport in VMs created by VB." }-I have not looked for this, and cannot test as I do not have a dial up.

It should still not be a problem, as you can set up host interfaces, and make these into a VM LAN, and then use a local proxy as pass through to your firewall for the Dial up. It may sound complicated, but it isn`t if you are using XP. If you are using W2k, then it can be a problem, as you would need to route these connections.
Let me know your OS, and I will check on the setup you need.

[aigle]

I have XP home.

[Stem]

Hi aigle,
After re-reading the thread I realise that I have misunderstood your question. I though you where having problems connecting from the VM out through your Host., But if I understand correctly now, you are trying to connect directly out from the VM (using dialup) before first connecting out with the Host. I am not sure if this can be done. I cannot setup to check this (I have no dialup connection).

[aigle]

Ya, I mean this exactly.
Anyway no problems, I will see it later.
Thanks.

[aigle]

I finally settled on VB. It,s ubuntu runing on VB.
First things`I installed are Opera, Avast AV and FireStarter Firewall( Wilders effect!!). ;D
I am happy that I can use internet on it via dial up( from Host OS).

[aigle]

From where I can get some widgets like Yahoo widgets?

[wilbertnl]

-{ Quote: "From where I can get some widgets like Yahoo widgets?" }-
How about Opera Widgets? http://widgets.opera.com/

[aigle]

Good idea but I want to run them always on Desktop even when Opera is closed.

[iceni60]

i was just listening to a podcast about a LiveCD called VirtualCity based on Mandriva. it says it comes bundled with VirtualBox OSE and security fixes and i think a 3D desktop too, beryl i think.
http://www.mcnlive.org/index.html
http://www.mcnlive.org/virtualcity/index.html

[Meriadoc]

-{ Quote: "i was just listening to a podcast about a LiveCD called VirtualCity based on Mandriva. it says it comes bundled with VirtualBox OSE and security fixes and i think a 3D desktop too, beryl i think.
http://www.mcnlive.org/index.html
http://www.mcnlive.org/virtualcity/index.html" }-
yes its fine, have it on a usb also ;D
3D=AIGLX - drivers for Intel and ATI.
mandrivaclub (http://www.mandrivaclub.nl/site/index.php?showforum=31)

[Rasheed187]

@ Stem

A bit late but thanks for the feedback, I think I might check it out. I´m also interested in Parallels, I wonder how they managed to make it a lot smaller than VMWare (20 MB vs 150 MB) and it´s also a lot cheaper. But I still have no answer on my question from another thread: what do they mean with this?:

-{ Quote: "Parallels Workstation is the first desktop virtualization solution to include a lightweight hypervisor that directly controls some of the host computer’s hardware resources. " }-

@ Aigle

You say about VirtuallBox:

-{ Quote: "
I am happy that I can use internet on it via dial up( from Host OS)." }-

What do you mean with this, are you saying that you can dialup from your host and have internet access on your guest OS?

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "@ Aigle
You say about VirtuallBox:
What do you mean with this, are you saying that you can dialup from your host and have internet access on your guest OS?" }-
Exactly what I mean!

[Rasheed187]

@ aigle, I don´t see how this is possible, are you using a dialup ADSL USB modem? Because with VMWare Workstation this is not possible AFAIK. :blink:

[Peter2150]

-{ Quote: "@ Stem

A bit late but thanks for the feedback, I think I might check it out. I´m also interested in Parallels, I wonder how they managed to make it a lot smaller than VMWare (20 MB vs 150 MB) and it´s also a lot cheaper. But I still have no answer on my question from another thread: what do they mean with this?:

"Parallels Workstation is the first desktop virtualization solution to include a lightweight hypervisor that directly controls some of the host computer’s hardware resources."

" }-

It is marketing El Toro Poo Poo. See this from Wikipedia

Hypervisor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In computing, a hypervisor (also: virtual machine monitor) is a virtualization platform that allows multiple operating systems to run on a host computer at the same time. The term usually refers to an implementation using full virtualization. Hypervisors are currently classified in two types: [1]
Type 1 hypervisor (or Type 1 virtual machine monitor) is software that runs directly on a given hardware platform (as an operating system control program). A "guest" operating system thus runs at the second level above the hardware. The classic type 1 hypervisor was CP/CMS, developed at IBM in the 1960s, ancestor of IBM's current z/VM. More recent examples are Xen, VMware's ESX Server, and Sun's Hypervisor (released in 2005).
Type 2 hypervisor (or Type 2 virtual machine monitor) is software that runs within an operating system environment. A "guest" operating system thus runs at the third level above the hardware. Examples include VMware server and Microsoft Virtual Server.

The term hypervisor apparently originated in IBM's CP-370 reimplementation of CP-67 for the System/370, released in 1972 as VM/370. The term hypervisor call referred to the paravirtualization interface, by which a "guest" operating system could access services directly from the (higher-level) control program – analogous to making a "supervisor call" to the (same level) operating system. (The term 'supervisor' refers to the operating system kernel, which on IBM mainframes runs in supervisor state.)



Pete

[aigle]

I use dial up modem on my host XP sp2. Then when I open any browser in my guest OS- ubuntu, it can acess internet. No settings, out of the box type scenario. I did enabled networking in Virtual machine!! Can,t tell u more details as I have already uninstalled VMware.

[aigle]

It should still not be a problem, as you can set up host interfaces, and make these into a VM LAN, and then use a local proxy as pass through to your firewall for the Dial up. It may sound complicated, but it isn`t if you are using XP. If you are using W2k, then it can be a problem, as you would need to route these connections.
Let me know your OS, and I will check on the setup you need." }-

Hi Stem, sorry to bother u. I will be thankful if u can give me some spoon feeding type of help here. I have XP Home.

Thanks

[aigle]

I think i am able to connect by this way.

[Avail]

Hi everyone so can anyone confirm to me which virtual machine will be best to keep your original copy of your OS intact and safe from a deadly virus?

Thanks!

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
It does not work that way.
You can create a virtual machine and use it - instead of your original OS, inside which the virtual machine software runs - to browse the net. If the virtual machine gets infected, you will be able to:
1. Revert to a previous snapshot / copy.
2. Install the virtual machine again.
Mrk

[aigle]

May be he is asking for virtuaization products/ sandboxes. In that case there are many options,

PowerShadow
ShadowUser
ShadowSurfer
DeepFreeze

Sandboxes: Sandboxie( free and paid), GesWall( free and paid), DefenceWal( paid)

U need to investigate further before u proceed.

[Avail]

How come it does not work that way?? Your creating another virtual PC so if your VP can infected by a virus you can delete that VP and your original OS will be safe and sound. Right??

The virus is just infecting the VP so how can it infect your original OS? on the first page one of the users say viruses can still infect your PC whether it had a VP or not?????

Can you help me clarify this? Thks

Avail

[lucas1985]

The virus infects the guest OS (VM) not the host OS.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
Your host OS can get infected regardless of the VM.
VM is a nice way of diverting some of the naughty vectors away, but it does not substitute the basic OS security. If your host OS gets infected, you won't be able to revert to previous state via VM. However, if your VM does get infected, you will be able to delete / revert to previous state.
Mrk

[Avail]

How would your host os get infected when your using the guest OS? Is there a way the virus can effect the host also? Unless of course you copy files from the guest os to the Host then yes it would be infected. But if it is just the guest then can't you just quickly shut down the guest OS and delete it?

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,

Quickly does not work - because human quick is a lifetime in PC terms.

But don't panic.

If you mean: Can my host be infected THROUGH guest OS running in a virtualized environment, by merely being there - without you actively copying files and such - then the answer is no.

But regardless of the VM, your host can get infected through its own communication channels. That's a different story altogether.

Mrk