Louis wrote: > Hi Frank, > > Regarding the last point about disabling virus scanners for Windows XP > guests, does this mean that XP guests running in virtualbox are immune > to virus attacks?? >
XP guests are like any other windows installation - they are immune to "virus attacks" because viruses don't attack. You get viruses because you run infected programs. The way to keep an XP system free from viruses is to avoid running programs or opening attachments that contain viruses. You do that by making sure that all incoming email is scanned (preferably simply deleting any attachments that are executable files - there are no legitimate reasons for sending exe files or other executables as direct file attachments), never use a Microsoft email client (they are the only ones that will run malware without asking you), and never use Internet Explorer (except to download Firefox!). This will stop you accidentally running malware. Second, make sure that there is a proper firewall between the windows machine and insecure machines (i.e., the Internet, and any other local machines that may be infected). Software firewalls on windows are close to useless - make sure there is a Linux or BSD box between windows and the outside world, or use a simple hardware firewall/router (many of which run Linux). The only weak point left is the user(s). Make sure they think a little about what they are doing - no amount of technical measures will protect someone foolish enough to take an "I love you" or "Film star nude video" email seriously. Use ClamWin to scan downloaded files (it's a truly free virus scanner, more regularly updated than most expensive ones, and takes no extra resources as it only runs when you ask it). Online virus scanners are a waste of money and computer resources - using your head is far more important, and much cheaper. _______________________________________________ vbox-users mailing list [email protected] http://vbox.innotek.de/mailman/listinfo/vbox-users
