[buf]

Have read about this software and the writer's claims about what it can and will do. Am wondering if any of you use it and/or what you think of it and comparing it to other applications that supposedly do the same things. http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/index.htm
As usual, TIA.

[Einstein a no no]

Hi, I have downloaded and tried/(trying) both items you mention. I like the concept of what they are trying to achieve however I must admit that as a newbie to 'computing' myself, both applications left me cold in the ease of use area. I did enjoy playing around with sandboxie but I was quickly persuaded to uninstall as it seemed to have a problem with recognizing two separate users of the same computer ie the 'User Account' system. At present I am running (but not active now) the Returnil app. and I am way more impressed with its seemingly apparent ease of use. Note: I don't like their desktop must have splash icon. But with a simple right click option you can do all things computery and not worry about bringing nasties on board your H/D. The trick for me is not to get carried away and forget if I am surfing/down-up-loading in the 'real' world or the 'cyber' world.

[1101doc]

Apples, oranges, and grapes. 3 different things, for 3 different situations.

And yes, Returnil works just the way they promise--
that's the problem.

Returnil places the entire system into RAM. Everything that happens during the session while Returnil is 'on' is just a computer "dream." It exists only in the electrical patterns maintained in the memory chips. When the computer is powered down, everything vanishes, and the system is exactly the way it was when Returnil was turned on. No newly created folders. No downloaded songs. No bookmarks. No installed programs. Nothing really happened.

Now, Returnil does create its own virtual 'drive,' and things can be recovered from it if desired. And activity on CDs, thumb drives, and external hard drives is real; so files can be saved to those locations.
Returnil prevents any changes to the system partition. For most of us that means C:\.

This makes Returnil perfect for those who want to give children opportunity to use the computer, but do not want to suffer the consequences of undisciplined practices. Using Returnil means that even if the child installed malware, it would amount to nothing and be gone after reboot.


Sandboxie creates a 'virtual environment' for selected applications. When a browser is run in Sandboxie, the result is very similar to what happens with Returnil--as far as the browser is concerned. The rest of the system is not affected. Like Returnil, at the end of the session it is possible to 'recover' certain items from the 'sandbox.' The application works well as far as browsers go. I have had less than satisfactory results trying to 'sandbox' an installation. Either the sandbox fails or the installation fails in the majority of cases. If I want to "try out' an installation, I use Returnil. Sandboxie will protect from 'almost' all malware. I find it difficult to use since I collect so very many bookmarks.

System Restore simply returns the system to the state in which it was when the backup was made. Depending on various parameters, data files may or may not be affected. System Restore may return a computer to a state in which it was free from malware, but there is no guarantee. System Restore is most useful for returning the computer to a state in which all system settings were functioning properly.

Also don't forget the "mini" System Restore called "Last known good configuration" that is available from the F8 menu at boot. I always use 'last known good' for the very next boot after any 'goofyness.' A good boot-up can be reasonably expected.

[Elvandil]

There's also Acronis True Image Home 11. It allows you to run your entire system virtually, choose what changes to keep, and also has a complete system imaging capability. The best of all the worlds combined.

DeepFreeze is another that does exactly as you imagine. No permanent changes without a boot with it turned off. I use it on machines for toddlers that don't even know that game scores can be saved and who enjoy restarting games each time .

[Einstein a no no]

Additional, I came across the following article which may be of interest to viewers of this thread. Albeit it was written 2006 it does raise some concerns regarding the issue of potential things that can be done with your data whilst in the sandbox environment:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/secu...ualization.htm

[Elvandil]

Originally Posted by Einstein a no no

Additional, I came across the following article which may be of interest to viewers of this thread. Albeit it was written 2006 it does raise some concerns regarding the issue of potential things that can be done with your data whilst in the sandbox environment:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/secu...ualization.htm

Looks like SandboxIE beat most of the pay ones. Only GreenBorder was better.

They are not all there, though.

[buf]

Einstein, thanks for your looking into the apps. I think it is a matter of choosing which one to use.

1101 doc: A most informative assessment of the apps. Thank you for posting your findings and comments

And thanks to you also Elvandil. I have used Acronis for several years; currently version 9 and only have praise for it and I let it do my backups frequently. Saved my bacon a few times.
I have only thought about Sandboxie; using it occasionally. Have never used the Returnil.

[Elvandil]

Acronis added the "Try&Decide" function in 11. It allows you to try software or drivers in a virtual system and then keep or discard the changes, depending on the results. Running the system virtually is a side-effect of that ability.

[batosai]

yeah, you may choose one of the program for your pc.
deepfreeze will return your pc back to normal before error. but every saved data and some times new installed program will not saved if pc restart or shutdown. you have to deactived deepfreeze 1st.
norton ghost may return back your pc normal but it works for fat32. .