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- Average user rating: stars out of 38 votes Back to product review
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User reviews
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7 out of 8 people found this review helpful
5 stars
Version: Sandboxie 1.85
"It ain't pretty, but man, can it cook!"
Pros: With Sandboxie, you can use your browser or any other program and not worry about things creeping into your computer because, if something does, it will be safely sandboxed, unable to spread outside and do its dirty little deed.
When finished using your browser, you can choose to save or discard any bookmarks, history, etc. or discard changes completely, leaving no trace of your internet activity.
You can use the sandbox for other interesting things, for example: start with a clean sandbox, run a program installer. After you install the program, explore the sandbox and see exactly what files it extracted and to which directories. Very useful if you suspect something you don't want is being put where you don't want it. I've found quite a few adware programs and thing being added to the start menu without my consent.
The program is very lean and compact. Why are other programs so bloated?
You can use Sandboxie for free. So give it a try and see what I mean. This is one of those cases where if you don't, you may actually have something to lose!
Cons: A toolbar of some sort for quick access to certain funtions isn't present and would be a bonus feature, just something to gripe about. Other than that, none considering this is now an essential tool on my system.
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8 out of 10 people found this review helpful
5 stars
Version: Sandboxie 1.85
"Excellent, the frequent downloaders dream!"
Pros: first, i have to say that i am reviewing version 2.2 which is available via the makers website, and it was what i have been looking for... i have always wished that i have one computer just for internet (and all the rubbish that comes with it) and a clean computer for everything else, and this program make that happen, basically you give your web browser(or any program you wish) a sandbox to play in plus all your download will be in it, and once you decided it was too much just press the clean button and all is gone! registry changes, programs , files, the lot! at the same time you have the option of releasing any desired programs from the sandbox into anywhere you want. well done to the makers, i think you are on a winner here, and thank you for making this program free.
Cons: this program is free apart from 2 functions, program alerts and forcing programs to start in sandbox (but still when you right click on any program you can choose the option of starting in sandbox) so to be honest i can live without these 2 options. program is stable and no problems to report, i just cant believe its free!!!!
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
5 stars
Version: Sandboxie 1.85
"Download this program now!!!"
Pros: Situation: You have completely screwed up your computer with viruses, spyware, trojans, etc. But you have done it in Sandboxie's sandbox. So you click 'Delete contents of sandbox' and then you're fine.
This program allows risk free internet surfing, program installation, etc. It reads from the files existing on your computer, but any files it makes are stored in a separate folder, which does not afect any other parts of the computer outside of the sandbox. It is probably the best free security program in existence.
And it's free.
Cons: You are supposed to register it after 30-days.
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
5 stars
Version: Sandboxie 1.85
"Didn't know you need a sandbox? You do!"
Pros: SandboxIE is an amazing little software (250Kb) that lets you play with things software in a sandbox so as not to affect your machine. It is not a VM and does not claim to be so don't assume viruses cannot escape from the sandbox - still it is safe for general and private browsing.
I would recommend it to anyone with kids - forcing the browser and email programs in the sandbox will let you get rid of most annoyances with three of clicks: Sandbox->Contents->Delete.
Everyone can be set to use their own sandbox so programs one installs do not affect/annoy the others.
The product is basically free though registration is recommended (I did register in appreciation of the value I got, the great price and the effort put into the program).
There are so many other things you can do with this program (e.g. it is great for software testing, support aid and to take your environment and installed programs around on a USB disk). Check it out for yourself!
One last thing - be sure to download it from the developer's site so you get the latest version (new ones comes every now and then)
Cons: Settings are in an ini file - works well for me but I suspect that for some users this will be a blocker. On the other hand, the default settings are just about right for the average user so it is perfectly fine to assume that those who need to change it will know what and how to do it (sort of idiot-proofing if you like).
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5 stars
Version: Sandboxie 1.85
"Outstanding product and support!"
Pros: First off the d/l link is not for the software. You need to go to the website for the latest release, Current release is 2.86 but i would go to the forum and download the latest beta. It offers additional functionaily.
When you surf the web it lets you browse all you want. It does not write anything to disk so even if you get a virus or malware all you need to do is empty your 'sandbox' and it's gone. Simple. Brilliant!
Very very light on resources. File is ony 240K! Won't slow you down at all like most of the security programs. Vastly faster than competing sandbox programs like bufferzone. Also customer support is great. I was having a problem with a cam and the author took the time to examine his program and get it fixed!
You can use it free. A registration is required to unlock a few goodies but even the free version gives you total protection. It's a perfect compliment to your AV and spyware defense arsenal.
I like it so much that I paid the one-time registration fee which allows you to put it on all your peronal computers! I think that someone that writes such a brilliant program should be rewarded and encouraged to continually work on improving the product.
Cons: Configuring it can be a litte tricky. Usually involves editing the ini file but with a little work you can configure it about anyway you want.
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