A few weeks ago I covered in an article the best protection model for a computer when it comes to malware. You can find that article here.

However, good as it might be, with the advances in malware technology there is still a chance your computer will get infected while browsing through websites, if you’re not careful.

For those who need and want ultimate protection while web surfing, the answer is virtualization. Simply put, virtualization in this context refers to the creation of a  separate operating space within your computer, which can then act as a sandbox. In other words, it’s like a computer within your computer. While not strictly correct, this is the easiest way to portray it for the non-advanced user. But the point is that while you are browsing, you can choose to turn virtualization on and thus everything that might impact your computer in terms of malware can be discarded at a press of a key once you finish your browsing session.

There are several programs that achieve this, perhaps the most known is Sandboxie, http://www.sandboxie.com/

Other programs have a built-in feature that can be used as a sandbox. For example, I use Acronis True Image Home 2009, a backup application. It has a function called “Try and Decide” which is simply an implementation of the mentioned virtualization function, with the same results.

So when is it recommended to use one of these programs? For example, if you are required to browse the web constantly and you often do searches and you are not sure of whether or not a malicious website might come up in the top search results, effectively infecting your computer when you click on that search result.

Virtualization or sandboxing is something that can be turned on or off selectively. In other words, you can have a sandboxing program installed and only use it when you deem it necessary.

And in some instances it can be proven to be very necessary.