A sandbox in computing in layman terms puts a border around programs running in the sandbox so that they run isolated from the rest of the system. This protects the rest of the system if the sandboxed program is attacked or exploited. Sandboxing can be a very effective option when testing programs, running files where you are not sure if they are safe or adding that extra bit of protections to programs that connect to the Internet or a computer network.
The installation of Sandboxie is fast and completes without the need to restart the system. The program runs a compatibility check at the end of installation and displays programs it can improve compatibility with in a list.
The main program interface has not changed since our first review of the program in 2008. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it is highly functional. The program ships with a single sandbox but provides options to create new ones. It is not really necessary to configure multiple sandboxes as multiple programs can run in one. It does have benefits though. Each sandbox comes with its own set of rules to configure. Running programs in different sandboxes makes sure that they are isolated from each other as well as from the system.
Sandboxie can run virtually any program in its own virtual space: from web browsers and email clients to Microsoft Office applications and Windows Explorer.
Running applications in sandboxes has implications. Data saved by sandboxed programs for instance is only saved temporarily in the virtual space. Sandboxie does however offer comfortable options to deal with data that needs to be written to the local system (like program updates or downloads).
Lets take a web browser as an example. If you run Internet Explorer in a sandbox you cannot download files to your system. The download works as intended but when you close IE the files get closed as well. Sandboxie ships with a recovery feature that can move files out of the sandbox so that they are stored permanently on the system. This is an automatic process.
Another option to move files out of the sandbox is the quick recovery option which becomes available in the right-click context menu in the main application interface (not automatic).
Both programs scan folders like downloads, favorites or documents on the computer. Additional folders can be added to the configuration, for instance to include different download locations on the PC.
Sandboxie furthermore offers pre-set options for popular applications like email readers, web browsers or download managers. Here it is for instance possible to allow Firefox to save browsing sessions, enable Outlook to access the mailbox or to improve the use of dozens of additional applications.
The developer has added comfortable options to his application to make the program more convenient to use. Immediate recovery is one of those options but there are others, including options to force run applications in a sandboxed environment, and to configure files, Registry keys or hardware that is directly accessible by applications running in a particular sandbox.
It only takes a couple of clicks to run programs in the sandbox. Right-click a sandbox in the main program window and select run sandboxed. A selection menu is displayed with options to run the web browser, email client, any program, any program from the start menu or Windows Explorer in the selected sandbox. Programs can also be started directly from Windows Explorer. A right-click on the application offers to run it in a sandbox. That’s useful especially for downloaded files.
Applications running in the sandbox can be identified by the [#] in the application title, and by moving the mouse cursor over the title which displays a highlighted border around the application window.
Sandboxie Tips
New users who install Sandboxie for the first time need to think about the programs that they want to run in the virtual environment. Programs with Internet or network access, and downloaded programs are two core candidates.
You can test a program’s compatibility by running and testing it in the sandbox. If the program behaves like it should, you could add it to the list of applications that are forced to run in the sandbox whenever they are started on the system. This prevents that you have to remember to launch that software in the sandbox all the time.
Some programs, like email clients or web browsers, need special access to folders on the system for some of their functionality. This can be configured in the sandbox settings. Firefox for instance needs access to data stored in its profile folder, Outlook to the email program’s mailbox and uTorrent to the temporary and complete download directories.
Creating multiple sandboxes has several positive effects. First, it protects applications from each other. Second, it allows the user to run different configuration sets as each sandbox comes with its own set of preferences. This way you could run a program with a different set of rules than others.
You can not only force programs but also all files of a specific folder to run in a sandboxed environment. That’s useful for download folders, optical drives or removable hard drives and other folders where file names may change regularly.
You sometimes may need to run programs normally, for instance when a program update is available. The disable forced program toggle disables sandboxing for selected programs for a limited amount of time. Firefox users could use the toggle to apply updates to the browser or browser add-ons for instance.
Another interesting application is to run program installers in their own sandbox. You can install and use the program normally as long as the sandbox is up. Once you are done testing you can just shut down the sandbox and everything goes back to the way it was before the installation. That’s very handy if you are testing a lot of programs.
The Help Topics on the Sandboxie website offer a getting started tutorial, usage tips and advanced topics.
Sandboxie Video Review
Verdict
Sandboxie adds a whole new layer of protection to the system that runs nearly unnoticed in the background. While it is possible to run the program without configuration changes, it only plays out its real strength when those changes are made. Tech savvy users will love the sheer number of configuration options. Inexperienced users on the other hand may run into troubles during the configuration stage. It is nothing that they cannot overcome though, it just may take them a bit longer before they have configured their system the same way an experienced user would have.
Giveaway
We have ten Sandboxie licenses for this giveaway. You can win one by leaving a comment below. Let us know what you like most about the program. You can download the latest version of Sandboxie from the developer website. The program is compatible with all recent and not so recent versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
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awesome software
very useful to test software and browse the net without worries. and by browse i mean pron :P
Sandboxie is the best sandbox currently avaliable on the market. By using it I don’t have to worry of any threat while using my PC. I really would like to win a license because free version is a bit limited.
Count me in.
It gives an additional layer of security.
Would like a license :)
Used for many years.
Very good program to test infected programs.
Good for unsecured webs for secure downloading.
Sandboxie is a small app with great opportunities. I use this program for many years. Except that this program serves as extra protection, I use it to test the various applications that do not require driver installation. In the ” full ” version, I like two things:
- the ability to create multiple sandbox
- the possibility of forcing folders and programs in an isolated area, including CD/DVD, USB drives
Thanks for this great giveaway. Good luck to everyone.
Well, I think that Sandboxie is one of the most important program that every user should have. Are you not sure about a link? A web site? Surf it with Sandboxie! ;-)
Thanks for the insightful reviews to date, Martin. This is the giveaway for which I have been waiting ever since you announced the list in advance this year.
Ronen Tzur has developed a wonderful product that is a great addition to any software collection. For me, the real benefit of using Sandboxie is its versatility. It increases the security of my browsing sessions and allows me to test applications in a sandboxed environment.
I would dearly love to win a licence. Please include me in the contest.
Sandboxie is the perfect addition to any security suite.
It can also prevent the system from getting cluttered and it’s a good way to protect our privacy.
My trial already ended but Sandboxie is the program to have, since it’s useful for everything, from safe browsing to testing unknown executables.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh.. and great review :D
I’ve been using sandboxie free for years now, and it kept me safe every time. From trying unknown programs to keeping my browser history clean. The ronen tzur is very active in his forums for support which is a plus for the program. I would like to participate in this giveaway and try my luck for Sandboxie paid.
Still using the latest free version (3.46). It works just fine on my Win 7 64-bit machine but an upgrade to the latest pro version would be awesome. Thanks Martin for this giveaway. Hope to be one of the lucky winners. Cheers, Phil
I’ve nor being using this kind of software, so count me in for the new experience.
thanks for very good review, great giveaway and for the chance!
https://twitter.com/#!/Alex77toy/status/145834123624333312
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=217724424971917&id=100003055787962
Hi Martin,
Many thanks to Ghacks for the review and giveaway. Ironically, I am writing these comments inside a web browser sandboxed by Sandboxie. I would really love to try the paid version of Sandboxie.
Frohe Weihnachten an alle im Ghacks!
Sandboxie is a program for protecting your computer from potentially harmful effects of the selected application.
The software creates a special “protective sphere” in which we can put a lot of popular programs such as web browsers, mail clients, instant messaging or P2P software – any changes made to the system by monitoring applications can be withdrawn. What’s more Sandboxie allows you to impose operating in the protected space programs, a number of restrictions on access to the network, drivers, files and other resources.
Easier for less experienced users may be willing to guess the package configuration settings for several popular applications.
Sorry, I use Google Translator, U know English poorly.
http://www.facebook.com/reviewsantivirus/posts/173504612746953
https://twitter.com/#!/ReviewsAntiviru/status/145828188474449920
I’ve been using the free edition for very long time as it’s a good software to block out all unwanted
virus/spyware/adware … etc…. once the program closed… it goes back to original
no matter you try on web browsing… or testing small program … all is safe
With sandboxie… you definitely safe !!!!!
I’d like to use this program to protect my privacy.
Please count me in as well. I love to use this software.
I am going to be for real, and say I use sandboxie solely to look at porn. I don’t do it often b/c I am madly in love with my wife, but when I do, I run sandboxie with a vanilla Firefox profile installation. Get my kicks, and go on with my business leaving no traces or anything saved on the computer.
When we were dating, I got hit by her orbital nuke one time when porn pops started to show up on her computer probably b/c of my browsing habits. Wised up and eventually stumbled onto sandboxie thus saving many nights not sleeping on the couch.
Hi, Martin: Incredible program! I’ve used VirtualBox for this purposes, but Sandboxie is fast and reliable. And being able to run all files of a specific folder in a sandboxed environment is superb.
Regards, Luis G. Uribe
I use Sandboxie Free quite a while now to enhance the security on my system by running browser, mail-client and messengers in a sandbox.
I wouldn’t mind winning a free license to use the pro version ;-)
Greetings,
Seb
Well! using free version of Sandboxie for over a year now. Will be happy to recieve a license of full version.
Sandboxie is a great program for internet security. What I like most is the fact that it will enhance security as it focuses more on prevention, stopping anything malicious infecting a PC. It’s far more convenient than using vmware as it uses far less cpu, ram, and users time. Its virtual sandbox does the job of protecting a PC from, downloads through the internet and the malware of a program perfectly.
been using the free version for a while, and it’s great for testing applications and all.
please count me in.
thanks. :)
Thanks for the comprehensive review of Sandboxie. I am new to Sandboxie but I would love to try it. Having suffered a number of malware infestations recently, it sounds exactly the type of product I need on my computers.
Greetings to all in Essen, especially all my friends in the Folkwang University.
Karsten
Hi, Sandboxie is just the next generation software with the ability to isolate any part of your software which could eventually do harm your data, its just a must for todays PCs, it would be great to win one!
I’ve been using the free version for 4 years. great app. nice to win the paid version.
I’ve using Sandboxie for several months and now I can’t imagine Web browsing or using email client outside the sandbox. What is the best in this program?
1. With Sandboxie I don’t have to worry about the safety of my computer, for example, all malicious software downloaded by the browser, is placed in the sandbox and can be removed easily. And, what is more important, it can’t damage my Windows.
2. I’m running email client inside sandbox, so I am sure that viruses hidden in my email messages can’t break out of the sandbox and can’t infect my real system.
3. My privacy is also protected – browsing history, cookies remain in the sandbox and don’t clutter my Windows.
4. In addition, very useful is the ability to install different programs in a sandbox (especially that experimenting with software is my addiction) – removing them is very easy, and most important – the system and registry remain clean after these activities.
5. What’s more, the program is extremely easy to use, even for non-technical users.
Unfortunately, the free version has some annoying limitations so I really hope to win a license…
I already use the free version, but I’d lot like to have the option to automatically sandbox programs.
I use this program for virus checks all the time. It’s the best. Please count me in.
I’m usually downloading a bunch of stuff from “idk where websites” and this come handy when i need to test wth this programs is acting as on my system and as a 3rd layer protection.
Count me in.