Sixth day of the Ghacks Christmas Giveaway. We have handed out licenses to some very popular software appplications such as Newsbin Pro, MediaMonkey Gold or Kaspersky Internet Security in the last days. Today’s application is Sandboxie, a security software program that can run selected applications in a closed environment on the computer. Sandboxie is compatible with 32-bit editions of Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows Server 2003 and can also be run on Windows 2000.
The software developer is providing access to a free version of Sandboxie on his website which has a few limitations compared to the commercial version.
As the name suggests Sandboxie makes use of the concept of so called sandboxes (also called virtual environments by some). The main advantage of running applications in a sandbox is that everything that happens in there stays in there. If you land on a website that uses a 0-day browser exploit to download and launch malicious code on your computer you can rest assured that the rest of the system – that is the part outside of the sandbox – will not be affected by the virus. And the sandbox itself can simply be cleared so that the malicious software has no means of affecting the computer system.
To make it even more visual: Sandboxie acts as a border that is impenetrable for applications that get started inside. Many of these applications usually interact with other system components, say a web browser that is storing cache on the hard drive or storing new bookmarks on the computer. Every attempt to interact with the computer system will be intercepted by Sandboxie and emulated so that the application “thinks” that everything is ok.
These changes on the other hand are not permanently and once the application or the sandbox have been terminated they are gone. But don’t worry: Sandboxie is still providing the means to save data that has been created or downloaded into the sandbox. Think of a document that you are downloading from a website, you might want to keep it even after the browser session closes.
It is possible to configure resource access rights for files running in the sandbox. These are left blank on purpose by default but it would be possible to allow the web browser Firefox to access its bookmarks file directly so that bookmarks get stored permanently. (There is an option in Sandboxie’s settings that allows direct access to the bookmarks of Opera, Firefox and Internet Explorer and another setting for email clients.
The installation runs through without problems or user interaction. The system is ready to run applications in the sandbox right after installation. Sandboxie integrates itself in the right-click context menu (Run Sandboxed) and it is also possible to drag and drop applications into the program interface to run them sandboxed.
The control interface is listing the programs that are running in the sandbox. This is helpful because there is virtually no way of telling if it is running in a Sandbox by looking at the program window.
The commercial version of Sandboxie introduces several interesting and helpful features. It makes it possible to run multiple sandboxes on a computer system. This can be useful to launch set of tools in different sandboxes which is great to isolate programs further.
The Forced Folders and Forced Programs options become available after registration.
Forced Folders:
This options allows you to select folders (this can also be a drive letter) and force all applications starting from there to run in sandboxed mode. Some useful applications for this are CD / DVD drives or a downloads folder for Internet downloads.
Forced Programs:
Allows the user to select files that should always be run in sandboxed mode. This is very useful to make sure that an application is always running in the sandbox without having to launch it that way at every program start.
The developer of Sandboxie was nice enough to give us six licenses of his security software program. You should know the drill by know. Just leave a comment letting us know what you think / like about the program and you are eligible to win a copy of it.
Related posts:
Ghacks Christmas Giveaway: Returnil PremiumGhacks Christmas Giveaway: Direct Access
A Sandbox for Applications
Ghacks Christmas Giveaway: Do-Organizer And TexNotes Pro
Ghacks Christmas Giveaway: USB Safely Remove
Ghacks Christmas Giveaway: Display Fusion Pro
Ghacks Christmas Giveaway: ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Ghacks Christmas Giveaway: WinSnap And WindowSpace
Nice probgram. But never heard of it and would like to try it.
Thanks
Sandboxie is the s…t.The only security program that i’ve bought.The registred version whith the forced folders,files option is great.
An Amazing program… Every Software I run or test goes through sandboxie…
1. If you install in a Sandbox then your original Registry stays clean.
2. How many times have we all been conned with false popup windows (Run the web browser in a sandbox and once your done wipe the sandbox clean and your ready for a new day)
3. Anything that you run under a sandbox stays in a sandbox so… MMORPG Games that crash on a system from time to time due to any kind of problem just run it inside the box and no worries.
Definitely Thumbs Up on this one…plus the sites forum for support is worth way more than the price you’ll pay for the software.
And no I am not affiliated with Sandboxie.. I just know what I like and this Software is in my top 5.
Shawn
I have always wanted to give Sandboxie a shot, but never have yet; I guess I just am not familiar with the operations of the program. However I would love to try it with full functionality!
It’s a really nice program especially if you or you children like playing games trial or other games, and also love trying new programs this is the best program to use,that way you computer is always safe and clean.
Sinceely Melanie
I would DEF love to get this one, please! =) =) =)
Useful when you dont want eating memory antispyware / antivirus
it’s light and working
(but dont ever connect to a computer running sandboxed vnc server ^^)
Sounds like what I have been looking for to keep my system clean. Will give it a try now. Thanks!!
I love this program!
Sandboxie is a goood thing when you try out iffy PC-Games …
Would like to try the Pro Version.
Yup, a very useful app!
I am using the free version from version 2 and still using it! Its the best program to test softwares and everything..you know ;-) without harming my pc. I test all kinds of stuffs. I once used it to download from rapidshare unlimited as a free user, but that trick is not working anymore with it.. But i’ll really love, if i own the pro version, thanks Martin for keeping this software in your giveaway list! :-)
Its first time when I hear about this program, will try it 100%!!!
It would be ferry nice to win the commercial version of sandboxie. Its main program of choice.
Sandboxie is ideal for testing out applications without risking your systems health. EG: Install an app, check if it works OK, then see if it runs when you copy it out of the sandbox into a normal folder. If it runs you have a handy portable app! Browsing is as safe as swimming in a wet suit. Super fast start up and idiot-proof system integration (right click a file and choose ‘Run Sandboxed’. Simple and perfect with it.
Nice just installed Vista Ultimate 64bit & save me messing something up.
This one is one of my favourites! Really worth of every cent spend to register it!
Leo Laporte and Steve Gibson interviewed Ronen Tzur, the author of Sandboxie on their Security Now podcast (episode 172). http://media.grc.com/sn/sn-172.mp3 After the interview, Steve discusses the technical workings of Sandboxie. Start listening about 35 minutes into the episode for the interview.
It sounds like a really nice program.
I never heard of it – let me win ;)
I’ve always wanted something like this!
This is the only way to really make your computer secure, short of reinstalling the system daily.
I use the free version. :D
Nice program, using the free version
GREAT !!! This is the BEST program ever !!
It’s also the best Anti-virus program !!!
I REALY hope I get this :D
(THANKS GHACKS !)
Please
i didnt hear abt dis pleas give me dis i want a try
looks like a great piece of software, i will try this out for sure
I’m on
Excellent app, let me play in the sandboxie please?
Interesting app, would like to give it a whirl.
wow.. I would really love to have this.. :)
The program is excellent when it comes to keeping your registry perfectly clean.
I test applications on a regular basis and this ensures that I don’t mess up my system at all :)
I like this app. :)
Can I get this? (please? :p )
Very good
Gimme dat!
I would love to get a copy of this one.
I’ve used the free version of Sandboxie and have recommended it to others. It’s a very useful program.
I would jump in for this one.
And thanks Martin, you’re doing a great job!
Sounds great!
I’m another fan of the free version, have found it to be a fantastic program, would love this one!
This applications is a “must” for any serious PC user.
Sandboxie how such a great tool like this exist? I hope to win 1 copy.
I loved using Sandboxie. It is a great program.
I heard about it all the time but never try it. This is a good chance.. Thanks!!
Un programa necesario para los que probamos software.
The free version is good, the commercial better. I want it!
Awesome program, I use the freeware version all the time.
very useful
Love the program, have been using the freeware version for a long time!
This program was highlighted on the Security Now podcast last week. Sounds like an excellent solution for security.
Sandboxie is one “must have” program to keep your system clean. I’ve been used the freeware version for a long time.
I need this program.
It’s very useful. I hope i can get it. >”<
I already use the free version. It lets me install a lot of programs without admin privileges and I can safely try your software tips :)
Would be interested in a copy.
I love the feeling of security when running unknown programs.
I’ve been using the free version since I discovered it on Security Now, it would be great to get the commercial version. Sandboxie is a really good program for protecting your computer while trying new software, browsing the web and so on… A really nice and new concept of security program.
I remember I have used a simillar software but it didn’t come my expectations up.
It’s a wonderful software. I use the free version, I love to have the full version!! Thanks!!
Great program… I’m in.
Yes, I’m still trying. Let me have my Christmas present now.
Yeah. It’s great. Perfect for a technician who likes to provide a testing area for applications that may only be used once to solve a particular customer issue.
Please enter my name in the draw
I use the free version and would recommend it to anyone who reads tech blogs like Ghacks and tries the programs mentioned.
Everyone has been there. You download a new recommended app / util to test it out and within 2 minutes you realize it is not going to fit your need. You try to uninstall, but there are still left over pieces lying around. Or worse, it’s replaced a system dll with an incompatible version or otherwise messed up your Zen computing experience.
Sandboxie removes that possibility! Install and test the app within the safe and secure confines that sandboxie gives you. If you decide the app isn’t what you thought, with one easy click, you can destroy the sandbox and there is no trace of the app on your live system.
(I’m not certain, but I think an earlier commenter is incorrect when they state Sandboxie will allow you to install programs that would otherwise require admin privileges. Sandboxie does not change your accounts underlying windows privileges)
Since I’m about to change the litter in my cats’ three sandboxies, it will cheer me up to consider I may win one for my computer (hopefully without the olfactory negatives).
hi, I‘m interested in this program
I tried this before. It’s very useful on trying new stuff~~
I would like this app. It gives me the protected mode of Vista without Vista.
I was actually viewing this product a few days ago and now you’re giving it away! I usually go with open-source or freeware, but I wouldn’t mind having this!
This is really a great program! I used it at the beginning of this year, but then I switched to Vista 64-bit, and Sandboxie is NOT able to be run under this system :-(
Anyway: I would like the program for my (test) notebook ;-)
It should be part of an OS really :)
I must say it sounds tempting. I’d really like to have one of those licenses. That’s better than having an antivirus!
I’ve heard a lot of interesting things about Sandboxie lately and I’d love to have a copy.
i too would love to have this interesting piece of software
It’s a great piece of software or me as a developer (from germany)
Sounds great!
I frequently install applications that could potentially be dangerous, so this would be helpful.
It gives you the freedom to try anything without fear of viruses or anything else! ANYTHING!
Sandboxie would be a wonderful piece of software for me, thank you!
good software!
Great app. Count me in.
Martin says: “The control interface is listing the programs that are running in the sandbox. This is helpful because there is virtually no way of telling if it is running in a Sandbox by looking at the program window.”
actually, there is. the title of the window is surrounded by # symbols when it’s running in a sandbox.
i love this app. use it almost every day :)
I love this program!
Sandboxie gives you the freedom to try anything without fear of viruses!
I test a lot of software and webapps that I think may be useful to patrons at my library, and this would make that testing a lot safer and easier. I’d love a license.
Odds are getting worse with every new comment!
I’ve heard of Sandboxie and have just got a new laptop and absolutely need it as I figure out the best configuration of free apps to install.
Thanks!
This is a wonderful alternative to going into a full Virtual Machine…A method I have used on occasion.
Sounds very interesting
Love Sandboxie. Programs that sound cool, but come from a source I’m not sure about, I always run with Sandboxie first. It has prevented several viruses from getting to my system.
Its an excellent application that I have tried earlier. It has helped me save my pcs from all those freeware/shareware applications that I have downloaded and tested. Would love to have a copy of the commercial version.
Never heard of this one but would like to try it.
am already using the free version though its limited to only one application…. being able to use more like SSVA would be pretty useful…. ty
I’ve been using Virtual Box, both Linux & Windows flavours, for quite a while, now, but it does tend to need a lot of resources. Perhaps Sandboxie would be a better alternative on Windows. Maybe I’ll get a chance to find out .
I’ve found this a really helpful when used in conjunction with RegFromApp for testing application portability.
I’ve been testing this application for a month or so now, and it’s dynamite! Keeps the PC’s HD and registry pristine. One thing that it doesn’t do well though (or perhaps my current version?) is handle DragNDrop operations to sandboxed applications from non-sandboxed folders/files.
Great application, worth registering for the extra perks, but the free version works very well!
Me! Me! Me! Sandboxie is awesome! I could use a copy for my laptop!
Sandboxie is a great program when you want to open those PPT files from chain letters without getting viruses!!! Usefull to if you want to surf on “Not so secure” websites.
Thanks Sandboxie!!
What a great idea for software. I’m in.
I’ve been keeping an eye on Sandboxie for some time now. Anyone who subscribes to blogs such as GHacks would be crazy not to. They highlight all those great programs to try and without Sandboxie or some type of VM solution to keep your system clean, your PC will quickly deteriorate and grind to a halt under the constant installing and uninstalling. I’ve been using VMWare for a while now but Sandboxie seems a much lighter way to achieve the same result. I’d love to try it if there are sill some licenses available.
Sandboxie is a great software, hope to see it working on Vista 64
Just started checking out the free version. Would love to have a licensed copy though.
I am in.
sounds like a good idea for my nerd in training
I don’t want to miss this one.
Amazing programme, the last thing I tried similar to that is a virtual PC and that still isn’t as close to as Sandboxie in features!
Would be nice to try it again. :-)
wabbit says:
I’ve been testing this application for a month or so now, and it’s dynamite! Keeps the PC’s HD and registry pristine. One thing that it doesn’t do well though (or perhaps my current version?) is handle DragNDrop operations to sandboxed applications from non-sandboxed folders/files.
Great application, worth registering for the extra perks, but the free version works very well!
Wabbit you have to allow Resource acces-file acces(full file acces).It will do the trick in most cases.I found this myself with nero express where i ‘m still not able to drag&drop ,but with all other apps is working.It will probably require registry acees also but i don’t know the keys.
I use the software for a long time (free version). nice peace!
nice prize.
I’ve been using Sandboxie for a while now (free version), and love using it to help see what changes viruses and malware make to a system. It’s a great forensic utility, and can be used to keep you safe. I’d love to win a copy of the full version :D
i am using free version of sandboxie, but want to use full version
Incredible 108 Comments + already… I am so pleased to see so many people in such few hours that use such a great program… With programs like this we might finaly win the war against all those exploits on the internet and finally have a World Wide Web where it’s a network of usefull information and not a spiders trap… Well good luck to all on the 6 licence draw… I would love to win but hey we never know… good luck to all and season greetings to all..
I use the free version
A useful tool indeed. I use at home a gived away Returnil copy, which is really good and allows to do everything without any risk. But this one may be more useful for quick tests because it doesn’t requires a reboot to revert back to normal state.
Still, it works well. I checked the changed files after I’ve opened a sandboxed firefox, and I see all the changes in the sandbox. I tried the test with notepad and create a new file, it works. Same for regedit, no trace left in the real computer. I don’t know if an antivirus would complain, but spyware terminator nor clamwin nor spybot don’t complain.
The sandbox control takes 12Mb in memory, but the service takes only 2 Mb. That’s appreciated.
Next step would be to test with a rootkit, but I don’t have any.
Definitely a good software.
Do you have still a copy of the license?
In (the sandbox) ! Thanx
Do you have still licenses? If you have, please gimme that! ^^
Sandboxie is very useful program.
many pc users are using, you must have it.
thanks so good news. i hope to get it.
Nice
not only very useful for browsing high risked sites (think of porn or searching for cracks/serials/keygens), also great for running those dirty keygens sandboxed or trying out software (think of all the installs and uninstalls before you finally find the one to meet your measures)!
a piece of software that no pc should be without
I’m sure sandboxie will prove beneficial in my line of work as a computer technician. Wish i could get one.
A nice program,I wish for Santa to send me A license so I can drive this thing legally!
Thank You!
I use Sandboxie whenever I want to visit a malicious website, to do malware analysis. Sandboxie is a simple, user-friendly, and nifty tool when it comes to virtualize applications. I hope to get the full version.
Soon I’ll write a full review about it in my blog.
Thanks,
http://extremesecurity.blogspot.com
I can’t surf the web without it.
yep
I have been interested in this program for a long time but would like to have the features in the full version.
It would be an invaluable aid in the battle to protect my computer from the huge array of malware that, unfortunately plagues the Internet
I’m new to using Sandboxie but so far I love it and it’s the only way to surf the web and be safe. I hope to have a full version shortly.