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 Articles:
Sandboxie Review And Giveaway [Ghacks Christmas Giveaway]Christmas Giveaway Sandboxie
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AVG Internet Security 2011 Review And Giveaway [Ghacks Christmas Giveaway]
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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.