Testing New Software Safely

No matter what kind of computer user you are, there are times when there is the opportunity to install and use a new piece of software. But beware - things can go drastically wrong.

It can happen that a piece of software comes highly recommended, but may not be entirely compatible with your PC. I know, it has happened to me. I rely on my personal computer to run my business, so it gets very scary when something goes wrong with it, as happened recently. I wanted to try a recommended program - and it gashed my PC.

It's at times like this that you remember you haven't done the backups lately, and how will I get my emails, and .... ! Massive panic.

Fortunately, System Restore came to my rescue, and all is now well, but the feeling of panic has lingered on.

What is more cross-making for me is that I had installed a Virtual Environment program on another PC on my workbench, for the very purpose of safely trialling new software. How stupid of me! Lesson learnt.

I thought you might like to know a bit more about a Virtual Environment, as it may save you some pain and heartache.

A "virtual environment" is like a fenced off area in your PC. It behaves just like your PC, but any changes you have made are removed once you come out of the virtual environment. It can, therefore, provide a safe test area for new software, because you know if the program messes things, the changes won't be permanent - just come out of the virtual environment and it is as if nothing had ever happened.

There are a number of free virtual environment programs, but the one I'm using is called Returnil. The website is worth a careful read before using: http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/

It can be switched on permanently, so that if, for example, a virus got in and did some damage, you can restore the PC to the state it was before the attack.

But I mainly use it for trialling software. It's part of my job to be up-to-date, especially with free software, so it is reassuring to know that I can test programs without compromising my PC.

Which is what I did with my personal computer just a few days ago. I have learnt my lesson - it's Returnil for me every time I want to play with a new program. I hope it works for you, and saves you heartache and panic.