What is the best option to run things in a secure environment?

I often find myself needing to make sure certain programs are virus-free before I run them on my primary computer. What is the best way to do this? I know virtualization is an option, but I haven't been able to find the VM configuration files for them. Does anyone know where I could get them, or has a better solution? Thanks,

 

well in my case i just scan it first before running... if it has a virus i'm pretty sure my antivirus will detect it...

btw, i used Kaspersky!!!

 

Yes, I use Kaspersky too - along with a long litany of other anti-spyware software, but they still don't detect everything do they?

 

Have you tried Virtual PC 2007? I use it to run a virtual XP Pro using my Vista as a host. After I installed the add ons it works great. I tried the VMware and performance wasn't that great for me. Makes for a nice "sandbox" and lol, its also my compatibility fix...

 

I just run Linux, so I don't worry about it.

But besides that, you can usually scan a file/executable before you open it with many antivirus solutions.

 

Get the program from a reputable/trusted dealer, scan it with antivirus (i use AVG).Usually from those dealers, you will have less chances of recieving a virus with the program.

 

i do think that they can detect it... even if not kaspersky has the ability to block the installation of a software that contains virus..

 

VMserver is now freeware I believe, so you can make your own VM files for free.

 

Sandboxie allows you to run a program in a sandbox, so basically it acts as normal, but you can revert all the changes it made to everything if you want (and I think it's gone on reboot).