Windows VM sandbox?

[rajus]

I'm not a Parallels user but I'm considering it, as I need to run a particular desktop app that only runs in Windows. So my question is: can I run a Windows VM, in Parallels, that is not allowed to connect to the Internet, & has only limited access to the local filesystem too? I'm assuming that such a setup would give me reasonable security (as secure as Parallels is anyway).

[John@Parallels]

Yes, to all :)

[Hugh Watkins]

I'm not a Parallels user but I'm considering it, as I need to run a particular desktop app that only runs in Windows. So my question is: can I run a Windows VM, in Parallels, that is not allowed to connect to the Internet, & has only limited access to the local filesystem too? I'm assuming that such a setup would give me reasonable security (as secure as Parallels is anyway).

once set up
don't forget to clone your sandbox regularly
PD >> menu >> file >> clone

if you break it
delete it and just open a back up copy

if you want a modern windows installation you will need to download updates from MS

A VM is exactly like a PC
and needs needs the same good housekeeping
firewall, ante virus and so on

File sharing may be turned off

menu >> devices >> shared folders

but if you keep your data in a shared folder
(possibly on an external drive)
it may survive changes of VM clones

in fact I run my parallels with the VM image on a La Cie Firewire 800 HD

Hugh W

[rajus]

Thanks guys. All sounds good. In general I won't care much about what happens in the Windows VM (although it could be annoying of course) but I really *don't* want to stuff up the Mac itself. One last question: the demo for Parallels talks about 'migrating my entire system to a VM...". Presumably this is all easily reversible if at some time I decide to uninstall Parallels?

[Hugh Watkins]

Thanks guys. All sounds good. In general I won't care much about what happens in the Windows VM (although it could be annoying of course) but I really *don't* want to stuff up the Mac itself. One last question: the demo for Parallels talks about 'migrating my entire system to a VM...". Presumably this is all easily reversible if at some time I decide to uninstall Parallels?

the original system is untouched

a new disk image is created
read the help pages and FAQ

Hugh W