If things are saved in a virtual file system that looks just like the "real" one, how can you tell what was saved in the virtual area?  I have a complex file system and literally thousands of files.  I'm sure I wouldn't have to burrow through all that, but how exactly could you tell which files are new ones?  I clip from sites all the time and save the clips, I create pdf of web pages.  I capture images for icons from the Firefox address bar and save them with MANY other icons (firefox just puts it's own logo in the link you drag out) - another thing, I frequently drag links out into my folders.  How would I find all this stuff to move it from virtual to real?

What about running programs that connect to the internet, such as Microsoft Money or Quicken?

Thanks,
Ann


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Peter Ekkerman 
To: [log in to unmask] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 11:27 PM
Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] Sandboxie Questions


Hi Anna,

I was reading your description of Sandboxie and from it, I understand that you think
that most of the applications you use would have- or are - to be sandboxed.
While you could certainly do that, for safe programs you don't have to do this.

I have used Sandboxie for a few years now and limit the "sandboxing" to internet 
browsers and email.It's just that you have to remember to save certain items before 
you delete the contents of the sandbox.
Another part of it is for installation of new programs.Not all of them can be 
installed in this virtual environment,but a lot or most can be.
Once installed this way,you also have to run them sandboxed and then they can't cause 
havoc in your system.Deleting the contents of the sandbox and the virtual Registry 
keys ,will remove the program from the system like it never existed.

The way Sandboxie works, is that while you're using an program "sandboxed" ,Sandboxie 
will create a virtual file and folder system that mirrors the one that would be used 
while NOT sandboxed.Any writing to the Registry is also mirrored and stored in the 
virtual registry.So in effect,no changes are made to either the real System or real 
Registry.
By System,I mean also User files and folders etc or anywhere this program writes- or 
saves- to.
There is an excellent explanation on the website. http://www.sandboxie.com/
Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing

You have to decide which programs you want to run sandboxed,but in general you could 
get by with just sandboxing programs that connect to the internet to unknown sources,
so they would be internet browsers and email for a start.

But, you are right,IF you sandbox several programs,it could get slightly confusing 
-you should make a note of which ones  - however,by exploring the sandbox content,you 
will see what was saved and where.
It's just a different concept,but very useful to guard your system.

Peter E.








-------- Original Message  --------
Subject: [PCSOFT] Sandboxie Questions
From: Computer9f <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: 30-May-2009 2:52:57 PM

I was reading about Sandboxie.  It sounds good except I'm wondering whether it works
in practical terms.

Most things I run may modify other things (including their own configuration
(browser, word processor (templates, toolbar, settings, etc.), email (new folders,
rules, etc.)), or save things ("printed" pdf files, screen clips (MWSnap), url
links/shortcuts, etc., icon captures (icofx) which are then saved to my ICONS
folders).  Some apps contact the internet (Quicken) to download statements, save
reports, and modify their own data files (Quicken, Roboform) & configs, etc..
Sometimes I clip something from a browser window and ADD it to an existing document
(same with email).  I know there is "recovery" for documents & such, but you may not
remember (or even know) what files have changed in which you want to keep the changes.

HOW do all these things integrate without a lot of intervention?  It sounds like it
would be so cumbersome - is it?

Thanks,
AnnaSummers

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