Sandboxie: Run Apps Safely - System Security & Cleanliness
Protecting Your System with Sandboxie
Do you experience apprehension when launching an application, concerned about its potential impact on your computer? This article explores Sandboxie, a tool designed to allow you to execute browsers, email clients, and other applications within a protected, isolated environment, all without altering your core Windows installation.
Understanding Sandboxie's Functionality
Sandboxie establishes a virtualized environment, known as a "sandbox," enabling application execution separate from your primary computer system. This allows for safe testing of new software installations without the risk of unwanted modifications to your operating system.
Enhanced security is another benefit, particularly during web browsing. When a browser operates within the sandbox, elements like cookies, browsing history, and cached files are automatically cleared upon sandbox closure or content deletion.
The installation process is streamlined and user-friendly, guided by an intuitive installation wizard. It is compatible with 32-bit Windows versions; however, support for 64-bit systems is unavailable due to driver code signing requirements.
Following installation, a software compatibility screen may appear to optimize compatibility with specific applications.
Initiating Use of Sandboxie
Upon first launch, Sandboxie provides a guided tutorial, demonstrating the experience of running a browser within the sandboxed environment.
Applications running within Sandboxie are easily identifiable by the [#] indicators present in their title bars.
You can initiate an application within Sandboxie by directly browsing for the program or file you wish to execute.
How Sandboxie Operates
Consider this example: Firefox was launched within Sandboxie, and the download of Dropbox was initiated.
Observe that the installation process unfolds within the sandboxed environment, as indicated by the [#] markers.
Any action performed within a sandboxed application will occur within that isolated environment. For instance, clicking the "Forgot Password" link within a sandboxed application will open your default browser also in sandboxed mode.
Crucially, no alterations are made to your actual system. Upon file download, a prompt appears, inquiring if you wish to recover the file to your system. Files are initially saved within the Sandboxie installation directory, and this recovery prompt can be disabled once you become familiar with the software.
Recovering Files from the Sandbox
To retrieve files from the Sandboxie control panel, navigate to Sandbox \ DefaultBox \ Quick Recovery.
Here, you can select the files and folders you want to restore from the sandbox, and also add new folders for recovery.
Additional Usage Options
Applications can also be launched within the sandbox directly from the context menu.
This direct launch feature is particularly useful when you are uncertain about the potential effects of an application on your system.
Licensing and Benefits
Sandboxie is available for free personal use. However, after a 30-day trial period, a reminder screen will prompt you to purchase a license.
As previously discussed, there are significant advantages to running applications in a sandboxed environment. It enhances the security of your web browsing sessions and allows for safe testing of programs before full installation.
Furthermore, it can help prevent the installation of spyware bundled with software by initially installing the program within the sandbox.
Sandboxie is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and successfully tested on Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit for this article. 64-bit versions are not supported. Download Sandboxie