Protect your computer whilst you surf the net

14 May 2008
Platform: Windows XP,Windows Vista
Type: time limited demo
Manufacturer: Check Point Software
Size: 4.9MB
Rating:

Verdict: At this stage, we're not sure what additional protection it offers over other security software, so we'll wait until release before final judgement

Wouldn’t it be good if you could surf the Internet in a virtual environment, outside of your primary operating system, so could be more assured that malicious files would not end up on your PC, additional entries wouldn’t be included in your Registry nor would your Internet browsing history be all over your computer.

Sadly we can’t really expect a virtual operating system on top of your existing operating system, unless you choose to run a tool such as Virtual PC 2007, but then you’d need another copy of Windows in order to get around the activation issue. You can’t use the same copy, twice. Another option is the Sandboxie tool, which is ideal for testing games within a closed box environment, but not always ideal for using it for browsing the Internet and testing downloaded files.

ZoneAlarm ForceField is a tool designed to act as a go-between, situated in front of your web browser. Download a file and it is checked by ForceField before you install. It will also enable you to browse the Internet in a private environment, so no web history, download information or other personal data is shared with other computer users. It’s simply not stored on your computer.