Microsoft Virtual PC
I have installed Virtual PC on my XP Pro system. My questions relates to security.
1. Do I need to install my virus protection software, firewall software and other security software on the virtual machine or is the virtual machine automatically protected by the main (host) computers security software?
2. Also, if somehow the virtual machine becomes infected, can that infection spread to the main (host) computer?
Thanks,
BM
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
July 17, 2009 12:37 PM
UPDATED:
February 22, 2010 4:55 PM
RELATED QUESTIONS
Answer Wiki:
1. The virtual machine is a new machine, which could communicate with other computers on the network or connect to the internet, and it has to have its own security software installed.
2. The VM can access the host disk <b>if you configure shared folders</b>, so, a virus could be able to infect files on the host file system. Also, if the VM becomes infected, it could spread the infection to the host and other computers, through the network.
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Carlosdl:
Thanks for the response. If I understand your answer…I will have to install, separate from the host computer, the same security software on the VM.
This brings me to a legal question…wouldn’t I have to purchase a separate license for each security software I want to install on the VM, even though it is running under the host computer?
You will find that often times consumer AV providers offer licenses for 1-3 non commercial machines. Check with your AV provider.
-Schmidtw
Yes, you will have to install security software on the VM.
About the lincenses, that depends on the license of the particular software you use. For license purposes, the Virtual Machine is another machine.
Definitely check your existing license(s) for your host system before you buy anything new. Like Schmidtw says, you often get a license for multiple machines when you purchase anti-virus software, etc. Make sure you harden that Windows installation just like any other system and keep your patches current as well.
Thanks to all for your help and advise.
Virtual PC is up and running well with full security protection.
if your VM is just for testing, just install AVG…
Also a great place for the free MS Security Essentials.