Virtualization software needed

[usta]

I have been using SVS Altiris virtualization software on my XP happily. This is a neat way to try different software on your PC, without polluting the registry.

Now I have W7 Professional 64bit, and this software doesn't run on it.
Is there a way to make SVS work on my PC (XP mode? How does that work?)?
Alternatively, is the Windows Virtual PC or Sun Virtual Box the answer?

 

[Jonathan_King]

XP Mode is a free virtual copy of XP available to Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise users.

Download it here: Download Windows XP Mode

It runs off of Windows Virtual PC, which is the Microsoft equivalent of VirtualBox.

 

[usta]

Thanks for the quick answer.
I'm downloading it now, then I'll get the Windows Virtual PC.
Are there any performance lags compared to the "real" installed applications?

 

[Jonathan_King]

It's not quite as fast as a real XP installation, so for that reason, I recommend installation everything that will run in Windows 7 in the main installation. Only install what you have to on the XP machine.

 

[usta]

I see. So, if I want to test a program, should I install it inside the Virtual XP mode or Create a new Virtual machine? I want to install a program, play with it and then uninstall it without leaving traces in the W7 actual registry (I hate when some apps don't uninstall properly)...

 

[Jonathan_King]

That sounds good to me. That's what the Pros do when they need to test a program.

 

[usta]

Thanks again, I got it figured out.
This thing works perfectly! Virtual apps running directly from W7 menu!

 

[MilesAhead]

Thanks again, I got it figured out.
This thing works perfectly! Virtual apps running directly from W7 menu!

I believe you can also run Sandboxie in or out of XP mode. Say you suspect an app is nasty and you don't want to foul up your virtual machine. Install it in the VB "Sandboxed" and see what registry keys it messes around with. Sandboxie also comes in 64 bit now, but it's not as bullet proof as 32 bit.

I think this is what Sandboxie users with 64 bit OS were doing before the Sandboxie 64 bit support was released.

Speaking of bullet proof.. I'm curious. People test malware in a VM but if you have networking turned on don't you risk it spreading to the real machine? Or can you just kill the Lan on a temporary basis?

 

[usta]

@MilesAhead,
Thanks for the tip! Sandboxie looks like another good way to test apps in a virtual closed environment.
Link to the website: Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing

Good thing that the version 3.44 from Feb 3rd 2010 has a support for 64bit OS.

 

[MilesAhead]

@MilesAhead,
Thanks for the tip! Sandboxie looks like another good way to test apps in a virtual closed environment.
Link to the website: Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing

Good thing that the version 3.44 from Feb 3rd 2010 has a support for 64bit OS.

I didn't think he'd give in. People were asking for a 64 bit version of years. Nice utility to have. Plus the license is for all PCs you own. No quibbling about on 1 pc only.