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Browsers: Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
by AmarKap713 - 8/9/07 1:53 PMHello:
I am just wondering if this is a viable solution. I know so many people who crash their computers because of using the internet...so much Spyware, and other **** come onto their system. Many times it is because their kids are using Limewire and downloading free music. Nonetheless, their computers get crazy hosed. I was just thinking why don't people use Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and make a Virtual PC running Windows XP within their Windows XP to run Internet Explorer in for their kids or whoever...this way if junk (Spyware, etc) ever comes on it then it is simply within that Virtual PC...their main PC won't get affected. Why doesn't Microsoft provide something like this? If the Virtual PC ever got hosed then just reset it by deleting the corrupt VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) copy the backup VHD in its place?
Does something like this already exist? Does anyone see any problems with this?
Major problem: Cost...
by John.Wilkinson
- 8/9/07 2:37 PM
In reply to: Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 by AmarKap713
It's a violation of the Windows XP EULA to use the same license for more than one installation at any given time, including for virtual machines, meaning the user would have to purchase an additional license to perform such an act. It's just not cost-effective for most families.
The second problem is that you are actually running two OSes at once and must have the system resources to do so even somewhat efficiently. That means you'll need at least 1GB of RAM for XP and at least 2GB for Vista to avoid performance problems, though more would be recommended. Those aren't outrageous expectations, but the average home computer still doesn't meet them.
Finally, the average kid isn't going to enjoy having to boot up a virtual machine just to download from P2P networks, browse websites at will, etc. Some would do so willingly, but most would then desire parental control software that enforces such policies, a difficult task.
It's a great idea, but it mostly comes down to the cost being the primary issue. However, in this case a Sandbox is a solid alternative, with Sandboxie being a free option. Check it out and see if it fits the bill.
John
Agreed
by AmarKap713 - 8/9/07 3:10 PM In reply to: Major problem: Cost... by John.Wilkinson
You are so right on all points. Well thought out and well put. I never considered any of those things. Well that is the wonderful thing about forums....you always learn something new. Thank you for the Sandboxie tip also. I'll check that out.
I've done this in VMware
by Me, Myself and You - 8/11/07 6:48 PM In reply to: Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 by AmarKap713It was more of an exploratory phase. But I was using NAT (Network Address Translation) and tbh, it isnt that much more secure. There are viruses that can break VMs as well. As long as you have enough policies and suchlike on the main machine, spyware will struggle to take a hold. A great idea is to run in a limited user account and to stay away from AntiVirus software, which if compromised could give attackers a complete and unrestricted admin access to the system. Theree are countless online scanners out there such as house call, but if your machine is setup properly in the first place you will not need antivirus (or perhaps AVG, something very light) because malware will either (a) not get in or (b) simply cease to function once it is in the machine.
Removing execute permissions from Temp folders is also a great idea, and being behind a router is pretty much common sense too.
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