Stop Testing Software on Your PC: Use Virtual Machine Snapshots
Protecting Your System from Unwanted Software
We have consistently cautioned against the use of registry cleaners and system tuners, deeming them ineffective and a waste of financial resources. However, a crucial question arises: how should one address the aftermath of uninstalling dubious freeware?
The most effective approach is to prevent the installation of questionable software in the first place. This can be achieved by thoroughly testing all programs within a virtual machine prior to installation on your primary system. Snapshots further streamline this process.
The Rise of Bundled Unwanted Programs
The era of carefree freeware testing is long past. Contemporary freeware is frequently bundled with spyware, crapware, adware, and other malicious elements.
Examples of particularly undesirable additions include the Ask Toolbar and the Trovi browser hijacker malware. Consequently, we rarely suggest software downloads unless they originate from highly trusted sources.
Risks Associated with Download Sites
Many download platforms either incorporate their own unwanted software alongside already bundled freeware, or they directly distribute installers laden with such programs.
Some sites even exhibit conditional bundling, targeting users of Internet Explorer with unwanted additions. This creates a false sense of security for those recommending software while inadvertently exposing others to infection.
Even Open-Source Software Isn't Immune
The threat extends beyond traditional software distribution channels. Even open-source software hosted on platforms like SourceForge is now susceptible to bundling with undesirable programs.
Virtual Machines: A Safe Testing Environment
Despite these risks, you can still safely explore and test freeware. The solution lies in utilizing a virtual machine for all testing purposes.
This practice is our standard procedure, ensuring a secure and isolated environment for evaluating new software.
Benefits of Using Snapshots
- Isolation: A virtual machine isolates the tested software from your main operating system.
- Reversibility: Snapshots allow you to revert to a clean state if unwanted software is installed.
- Peace of Mind: Testing in a virtual machine eliminates the risk of system instability or malware infection.
Understanding Virtual Machine Software
A multitude of virtual machine software options are available, however, not all facilitate effortless software testing with rapid rollback capabilities to a pristine state. Repeated Windows reinstalls are a possible alternative, but are undeniably time-consuming.
Further Reading: Beginner Geek: A Guide to Creating and Utilizing Virtual Machines
The ideal approach involves leveraging the snapshot functionality present in select virtual machine programs. This allows you to capture a virtual machine’s state post-installation and configuration. Subsequently, any software installations can be tested, and the system reverted to the snapshot, effectively erasing any changes.
For Windows users, VirtualBox is often the most suitable choice. It is a free, open-source platform compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its user interface is intuitive, and it provides robust snapshot support. While other options exist, VMware Player lacks snapshot functionality, Hyper-V’s equivalent feature, “checkpoints,” is cumbersome to navigate, and VMware Workstation, despite offering snapshots and ease of use, carries a significant cost.
Editorial Insight: For those operating on macOS and desiring to evaluate Windows software, Parallels is highly recommended. Although not free, it delivers superior performance compared to VirtualBox, seamlessly integrates with macOS, and supports Windows Aero transparency. It also boasts excellent snapshot capabilities.
After selecting your preferred solution, several considerations are crucial:
- Disable File Sharing: When evaluating potentially malicious software within a virtual machine, disabling shared folders prevents malware from propagating to your host computer.
- Avoid Bridged Networking: Virtual machines typically operate behind a virtual NAT (network address translation) network, providing a degree of isolation. Avoid using bridged mode, which directly connects the virtual machine to your primary network.
- Refrain from Using Primary Accounts: When utilizing Windows 8 or later, avoid logging into the virtual machine with your standard Microsoft account. This precaution extends to Google or any other accounts. Protect your credentials from potential spyware embedded within the software.
While running actual malware within a virtual machine is possible, it’s advisable to disconnect the VM from the network entirely. However, for testing freeware suspected of containing spyware or adware, a virtual machine provides a secure environment.
Obtaining an Operating System for Your Virtual Machine
Having chosen your virtual machine software and understood the necessary precautions for safe virtualization, the next step involves installing an operating system within the virtual environment. A key consideration arises: a Windows license typically requires a purchase.
Related: Where to Download Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 ISOs Legally
Should you possess a valid Windows license, installation within your virtual machine can proceed without issue. If the original installation media is unavailable, legally obtaining Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 ISOs is possible. Alternatively, participation in the Windows Insider program provides access to Windows 10 for testing purposes, free of charge, until the official release.
Even without a dedicated Windows license, options remain. Windows media can be downloaded for evaluation in trial mode, specifically Windows 7. Another possibility is acquiring a trial version of Windows 8.x Enterprise, requiring registration. Furthermore, utilizing Windows 10 within a virtual machine allows simultaneous learning of the operating system while evaluating new freeware applications.
Leveraging Virtual Machine Snapshots for Safe Software Testing
This guide demonstrates the utilization of snapshots within virtual machines (VMs) for secure software evaluation. We will specifically focus on Parallels, as it is the platform used by How-To Geek, but the principles are directly applicable to VirtualBox, as illustrated in the accompanying screenshot.
Prerequisites
It is assumed that you possess the necessary knowledge to install an operating system, such as Windows, within a virtual machine environment. Should you require assistance, a beginner’s guide to virtual machine usage is available for reference.
Step 1: Creating a Snapshot
Prior to testing, bring your virtual machine to a desired clean state. Subsequently, create a snapshot to preserve the current configuration. For instance, observe the open Notepad window within the Windows 7 VM in this example.
Taking a snapshot effectively captures the VM’s current condition for later restoration.
Step 2: Software Installation
Feel free to install any software you wish to test within the virtual machine. This includes potentially undesirable programs, as the VM provides an isolated environment. We will intentionally download software from a questionable source and accept all prompts during installation.
This allows for risk-free experimentation without impacting your host operating system.
Step 3: Observing the Impact
Following a single download and accepting installation prompts, the web browsers may become compromised, and a potentially unwanted PC cleaner application might report numerous errors. It’s important to note that this occurs even on a freshly installed VM with only Chrome present, highlighting the deceptive nature of such applications.
This demonstrates the potential risks associated with installing untrusted software.
Step 4: Reverting to the Snapshot
To undo the changes, revert the virtual machine to the previously created snapshot. In Parallels, this is achieved through the Actions menu. VirtualBox offers a similar functionality by right-clicking on the VM in the list and selecting the revert option.
This process restores the VM to its original state, effectively undoing the software installation and any associated modifications.
Step 5: Restoration Complete
The reversion process is typically swift, depending on your system’s hardware. Upon completion, the virtual machine will return to the state captured in the snapshot, including all previously running applications in their original positions. This functionality is akin to a highly enhanced version of Windows Hibernate mode.
The VM is now restored to its pre-test condition.
Snapshot Management
Both VirtualBox and Parallels support the creation of multiple snapshots, allowing you to switch between different states at will. This is a powerful feature that should be routinely utilized. For further exploration of advanced features, consult our guide to 10 essential VirtualBox tricks.
Remember to avoid installing potentially harmful software directly on your primary computer system.