Is this possible?

Hey guys,

Well im a big fan of this game called runescape. (don't laugh )

Basically I was wondering is there a method i could use to essentially boot into a a secure os with no malware etc for just playing that game then boot back into my normal os to do other tasks.

Ive tried looking into virtualbox but the problem is with that. if i get infected on my host os i will get compromised on the virtual machine.

Essentially im looking for a way to have a virus free environment for gaming?

Any ideas ranging from snapshot technology/ virtual machines will be helpful

ps. preferably one that is free would be great

 

I don't really get your point. You want a malware-free environment for gaming only? Why not for all purposes that you do with your system? For gaming you might want to pick windows as a preferred OS. If you really want to separate gaming from all other things that you do on your computer you could install two OS's like Ubuntu for everything else and windows for gaming only. You could as well do so with virtual environments.

Personally I think you can secure your operating system well enough to do all kinds of things like gaming, surfing the web etc with just one environment.

 

IMO you are thinking opposite of what is normal, as Arcanez eluded to.

I don't do much gaming any more, but I don't worry about games myself. It might be possible to use a game as an exploit into your computer, but I don't think it is likely. It is more likely via email or browser, or even opening a rogue software or an office document that you will become compromised.

If it were me, I would focus on securing your OS, to the degree you need and don't worry about your games. If you think a game is going to introduce some ill-behaved software to your system, probably not a great thing to be using anyway.

Sul.

 

Well essentially apart from the odd email account here and there.. There isnt much i really would mind losing. Apart from my gaming account of which ive spent hundreds of hours using over the years.

So im really looking for a way to ensure when im gaming that there won't be any key loggers lurking behind the scenes. Sure I can keep my windows secure (which i am currently) but theres always a chance something could slip by. Hence why im looking for a way to have a system where i can play my games noing there inst a chance a virus is on it at that present moment.

 

I see. You are worried then that your OS is compromised, which could then compromise your account. Makes sense, and is IMO logical.

Were it me, I would handle it one of two ways.

1. dual boot into an OS that is never used for anything except the game.

2. after fresh install of OS, develop systematic approach to security that ensures the OS is never exposed to anything that originated on the net.

Either way is possible and both resolve the issue. If you are that concerned about it, don't trust anything from the net and never let it into your real system.

Sul.

 

use vLite and remove anything you dont need for your gaming from windows image (specially internet related services if youre not gonna need internet).
install the edited windows for your gaming.
if you have internet access, configure windows firewall to block both incoming and outgoing and allow specific game files for outbound access.
dont attach any USB or insert any disc except for your game discs.
dont browse any website or download anything.

dual-boot with your safe OS.

 

Avast has a gaming mode - a 'safe space'.

I can understand that you want to keep your party hats safe ;-)

You're better off clearing your normal system or using snapshots.

 

Why not boot from a LiveCD or USB? You could even run a system in a virtual machine such as VMWare (My personal preference) or Virtual Box (Free and popular).

I could take you very very far on the paranoia highway.

P.S. I love runescape and am currently a proud member.