want suggestion regarding virtual meachine

[bivas600]

hi i need some suggestion from u guys. i was using returnil home lux but due to some problems i unistall rvs. now are there any software like returnil which i can use as virtual meachine? plz give me some suggestion.

[hellnoire]

Sandboxie's a well known one that could work.

[Alboguy]

Well...I've been using Virtual Box for quite a while. It satisfied me...

[safeguy]

First of all. let's clear the definition

When we're talking about virtual machines, we commonly refer it to system virtual machines that allow you to run a guest OS 'inside' a host OS- the most widely used/known system virtual machines are VirtualBox, Virtual PC and VMWare.

Deciding which one to use depends on what platform (OS) you're using it on and what you need it for (which features you need)...take note that there are some differences between the 3 and it's important for you to make the right choice that suits you...

A good starting point would be to read this comparison list (might be slightly outdated but still quite relevant):

Desktop Virtualization Software - A Comparison of Free Virtualization Tools for Windows

There's also application virtualization (strictly speaking these aren't virtual machines) and programs such as Sandboxie (an alternative would be SafeSpace) and VMWare ThinApp falls under this category although these programs differ in their purposes...

Sandboxie

Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.

VMWare ThinApp

Simplify application deployments by eliminating application conflicts through application virtualization. Package an entire application and its settings into a single executable that is isolated from the OS. Plug VMware ThinApp into your existing management infrastructure and accelerate your application development and desktop deployment. Deliver and deploy applications more efficiently, more securely, and more cost-effectively.

If you can't spot the difference, Sandboxie is mainly used to run programs in a 'safe space' in your current host OS while VMWare ThinApp is commonly used to create portable applications...

As for Returnil Virtual System, it works differently - it creates a 'sandbox' of the Windows OS itself (not the applications unlike Sandboxie)

Returnil virtualization technology clones your computer’s System Partition and boots the PC into a controlled virtual world rather than native Windows; allowing you to run your applications in a completely isolated and secure environment

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Personally, this is how I would choose which program to use depending on what's my purpose:

1.A system virtual machine is more suitable if you wish try out operating systems without setting up a dual-boot or using a live CD (such as Linux distributions or a Windows OS)

It may also be used to try programs that require installation BUT should not 'disappear'...for e.g. you might want to try out the new version of an anti virus program such as Avast V5 and you would require more time to test/evaluate it...

It's also useful if you want to test probable malicious files such as viruses, malware, etc (although I must say do so only if you have the appropriate knowledge only)

2. Returnil is more suitable if you intend to try out programs that require installation and you want these installed programs to 'disappear' after a reboot, that is you do not need a long time to test/evaluate these programs....e.g. you might want to try installing Google Chrome browser on your PC for a short moment...but you do not want to go through the 'hassle' of installing Windows OS inside a system virtual machine just for that purpose alone

It is also suitable for those users who do not have a Windows ISO/disc with them or perhaps have no legit key to activate Windows...

3.. Sandboxie is more suitable for running already-installed programs in the host Windows OS or standalone (perhaps even portable) .exe files in a 'safe space' or a 'sandbox environment'....

Usually users use Sandboxie to sandbox certain programs such as their browsers (Firefox, etc)...in fact, there are some 'smart' users who use Sandoxie to run their cracks/keygen (informational purpose only...I am not promoting piracy)

Confused as to which one to use??? The answer depends on you...not me

[bivas600]

@safeguy
big clap for u safeguy
thank u very much

[safeguy]

No problems at all bivas600

Truth be told, I'm still quite new to virtualization...and since you brought this topic up, I thought I might as well do some 'research' and improve my knowledge...I consider this as helping my own self too...