Is Windows XP in VM safer?

Will running Windows XP in Virtual Machine be significantly safer than as main operating system?

 

I wouldn't say it's safer... True, you can avoid infecting your host OS in case you get hit by malware by using a guest XP, and you can restore it to a clean state easily by using snapshots, but the XP system itself is not safer just by being inside a VM.

 

+1 Nebulus

It all depends upon how you define "safer".

Running XP in a VM will eliminate almost all the threats to the "real" system including rootkits,etc.However if you use it for the likes of online banking,you'll still be at risk of localized attacks such as keylogging,data mining,etc.

 

I assume that the only incoming attacks that I have to worry about are those coming from the browser.
The host firewall should protect me from everything else.

Im planning on watching netflix and logging into skype on XP.

 

hi

Robolinux is specially designed for runung Windows/XP on Linux via VB VM
http://www.robolinux.org/
Non critical tasks (client/server side threats against logins) and short sessions are recommended.

Rgds

 

epic fail - NEVER let traffic pass thru host adpater. nevertheless XP will be still vulnerable as mentioned before (#3)

install required software in VM then cut line - or try compatility mode (XP SP3) on win7/8.

for me there is no software which is not runniung on win7/8 either its such old itself has vulnerabilities.

 

You may wish to read VirtualBox: better to use NAT or Bridged Adapter for a malware test machine?.

 

Hello,

I think AndyMan35 hit it on the head with his response of

The one thing I can think of which might make a difference is that some malware is "VM-aware" and will not run when it detects it is being run inside of a virtual machine.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

 

If you're using Bridged Adapter in VirtualBox, then the host's firewall (and realtime AV) won't protect you in the bridged virtual machine. If you're using VirtualBox NAT, then there are more open ports on the host reachable from the virtual machine than you may like (unless you make some outbound firewall block rules in guest firewall).

 

Very interesting, do you have tested it?

 

A minimum $2.00 donation required to download. Honestly, why not just run Windows in a VBox session in any Linux distro desired?

 

hi
For Mr Management from the country of the Ajax, Robolinux is a Debian based distro intented for beginners.
All is designed to make the process simple and easier, not only the install, but also the switching and Linux conversion from Windows.
I've only tried it a few month ago in Live USB, as i'd rather a dual boot or one OS per machine (custum Arch for serious tasks).
Robolinux takes also some graphics from Mac world, especially the dock designed under OSX inspiration.
So i have not experimented its protection.
Cross platform malwares exists, like java rats, but the risk of breaking the VM is very limited.
I attach a screenshot of the live destop, as i have it in a 16 Go multi distro USB key.
The specific VM tools are paid with a donation but the iso can be downloaded fron Sourceforge
4. Completely new Robolinux V7.4.1 Stealth VM Software Tools have been released and may be downloaded after making a very small donation.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/robolinux/

This things said, the inial question makes no sense, especially in a personal and private environement.
The upgrade for Win7/8 has a cost for corporate environements, but for home desktop environements, it is suited to forget Windows XP.

Rgd

 

The donation amount is trivial anyway. Even $5-$10 is okay with me. I was just wondering what makes running a VM in RoboLinux that much more special than running a VM in another distro one might favor instead. I watched the demo video on recovering from a virus in RoboLinux and it seems more drawn out than it needs to be, with several steps involved. Why not simply hit Restore a previous snapshot (at least how it works in VMWare) and be done with it?

 

Thanks for the answer (more a rugby fan though)

 

Indeed. I used to have several things that could fit into that definition, security, privacy and anonymity related. But now it's only function is really to serve as a means to eliminate persistence. And as such at this point is like an overly bloated/convoluted version of Shadow Defender. Not to mention moot with imaging software. And I'm thinking about eliminating it too now owning a SD key and with Macrium Reflect.

 

hi
News from Robolinux http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=08366
Since you can deal with any VM in any system, Robolinux is not necessary, as the main goal is to be as easy as A B C for the mass.
I have not experimented the super Stealth VM, so i can not help about it.
Then download and try by yourself or contact the dev.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/robolinux/files/?source=navbar
http://www.robolinux.org/about/
And why not Robolinux + Arkoon ExtendedXP for those who are in the XP Alcatraz...
http://www.arkoon.net/en/extendedxp/

Rgds