Question to ShadowDefender user

Discussion in 'sandboxing & virtualization' started by Creer, Jul 6, 2008.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Creer

    Creer Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    Posts:
    1,345
    Hello,

    i'm looking for virtualizing software for my computer and i have a litte question. I found Returnil and as far as i know this program create virtual partition in constans size, so the problem of fragmentation of disk dont exist. Iam interesting in another software - ShadowDefender but im not sure is this program create virtual partition as Returnil?

    When im using SD, my system partition will be fragmented?

    Regards,
    Peter
     
    Creer, Jul 6, 2008
    #1
  2. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2003
    Posts:
    20,590
    The quick answer is no.

    Returnil has two modes. One uses virtual memory so there is no file on disk. However the program has a few limitations. Returnil, in disk cache mode creates a file which it uses in it's protection mode. So while in protection no your main drive isn't affected. However the cache file itself though if large enough be fragmented. Also it can affect defragmenting time as well as imaging time. Note it can be removed and replaced by doing a repair install.

    SD on the other hand creates it's disk cache files when it enters shadow mode, so no further framentation would occur. When you exit shadow mode those cache files are deleted.

    Pete
     
    Peter2150, Jul 6, 2008
    #2
  3. Creer

    Creer Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    Posts:
    1,345
    Hi Peter,

    thanks for explaination.
    Today i make few test how it is look in real and this is a results:

    http://www.motocity.pl/materialy/podsumowanie_fragmentacji.bmp
    please, open in new window
    (file .bmp without compression ~415kb)

    In these tests i used Windows tool in my Windows XP Pro.

    Legend:
    1. "Shadow Mode" - ON. Check fragmentation level.
    in my exclusion list are only Avira folders.

    2. "Shadow Mode" - ON. I was install one "big" game (about 2GB on my partition), then i check fragmentation level.

    3. "Shadow Mode" - still ON, but computer was after Reboot/restart. Game was disapered, and space on my disk return to the level before installing game.
    After reboot i check fragmentation of my system partition.


    As you see position 1 and 3 are different. Is it normal? i was thinking that the fragmentation level on picture number 3 should be the same as on the number 1? :doubt:

    Second question: if i had using Returnil the results will be the same?



    Regards,
    Peter
     
    Creer, Jul 10, 2008
    #3
  4. pandlouk

    pandlouk Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2007
    Posts:
    2,976
    Hi Peter,

    here is your answer:
    Avira modified some files (logs, updates, etc.). ;)



    Panagiotis
     
    pandlouk, Jul 10, 2008
    #4
  5. Creer

    Creer Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    Posts:
    1,345
    Hi,


    thank you pandlouk for answer, now i know almost everything.
    I'm going to buy ShadowDefender :)


    Regards,
    Peter
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2008
    Creer, Jul 12, 2008
    #5
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...