The internet is full of sweet apps, but it’s also packed with shady software.

Before you install something awful, give yourself an infosec education.

Here are the best tools to protect yourself out there when you’re experimenting with new programs.

Some methods are focused on staying as secure as possible.

Others are better at trying out apps without messing up your parameters, but may not be perfectly secure.

We’ll explain which ones are best for which at the end of each section.

This method allows you to simulate a full operating system, isolated from the rest of your machine.

If a program installs crapware without your knowledge, it will be contained in the virtual machine.

Begin by creating your virtual machine:

Install and open VirtualBox.

Be sure to drop in the extension pack from thedownloads page.

Click “New” to create a new virtual machine.

you might check outour guide herefor detailed instructions, but the wizard should make it fairly simple.

You will need todownload the OS you want to try.

load the operating system of your choice on the virtual machine.

Before you install anything else,take a snapshot.

At this point, you should have a pristine installation and a quick way to reset back to normal.

This is a safe place where you’ve got the option to install programs and try them out.

However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean that everything youdois safe.

This can also make your host machine vulnerable to some malware, so be careful.

Ideally, you should keep a separate, clean VM for testing potentially malicious software.

A VM only protects your system itself.

It can’t stop you from sending your credit card info to an untrustworthy merchant.

Virtual machines are one of the most powerful, software control methods out there.

it’s possible for you to try out applications in a remote virtualized environment.

In the sidebar on the left, click Add App.

Select “Create a new Cameyo package.”

If you’ve already downloaded the .exe, upload it by selecting “Local machine.”

Choose a target to store the repackaged app.

you’re able to quickly erase anything that’s been downloaded or installed with a single button.

Of course, Sandboxie doesn’t come without trade offs.

Anything you download or install on your system is stillonyour system.

Sandboxie can revert any changes it makes, but reading is fair game.

And, of course, if anything happens to slip past Sandboxie, it can infect your real computer.

you’re able to download Sandboxiehere.

Everything you do within this sandbox can be deleted with one button.

To get started, do these things:

Start the sandboxed web surfing app.

launch the site with the app you want to test and download it.

You should be able to see a window beneath the prompt detailing which app is requesting permission.

initiate the app as normal.

You should see a yellow outline over any windows that are within the sandbox.

It’s not 100% effective, but it should keep you safer than browsing without protection.