Anyone know Virtualbox?

[ffutures]

I wanted to run some label printing software that REALLY doesn't like running on my Windows 7 PC, and didn't want to upgrade to Windows 7 Professional just to run one program under XP. I did have an old XP install disk, and downloaded Virtualbox to run it as a virtual machine.

I've got this working, and shouldn't need to use a browser at all, but it's always possible I'll end up using the virtual machine for other things. But XP keeps telling me it needs anti-virus software. I'd assumed that the host computer's anti-virus program would take care of things - does anyone know if I'm right?

[OSH]

It's possible (in theory) your computer will be infected by virus, which came out of virtual machine environment into host. But the chance is really small, so I think, you don't have to worry about it...

[Bugbear]

Hi, I'm a heavy user of VirtualBox - currently use it to host my dev instance of Oolite on a Linux Mint guest (Windows 8.1 host)...

The thing to understand is that you are running a completely separate instance of XP, so yes, the OS will nag you for antivirus.

The simplest solution is to download Microsoft Security Essentials, (it's a free download) install it with the default configurations and then forget about it. Presumably, you aren't planning on using the browser to go to any dodgy sites, any you're not planning on running dodgy software so you should be ok.

Enjoy...

[OSH]

Or simply change the settings in Security Center (or something)...

[Cody]

The simplest solution is to download Microsoft Security Essentials...

I don't think MSE is compatible with XP - am I wrong?

[ffutures]

In that case I'd better install Avast or one of the other free AV programs, just to be on the safe side. Not a problem.

[Bugbear]

The simplest solution is to download Microsoft Security Essentials...

I don't think MSE is compatible with XP - am I wrong?

Ah good point...I've been using it on my Win 7 and Win 8 VMs. It's been quite a while since I've needed to travel back to Win XP territory...

I just checked the Microsoft website - it's not officially supported. Sorry for leading you down the garden path ffutures...

[Pleb]

I've always used AVG Free - I use it on all my PCs and laptops and also on my phone. I have never had any issues or got any viruses so I would recommend it!

[ffutures]

The simplest solution is to download Microsoft Security Essentials...

I don't think MSE is compatible with XP - am I wrong?

Ah good point...I've been using it on my Win 7 and Win 8 VMs. It's been quite a while since I've needed to travel back to Win XP territory...

I just checked the Microsoft website - it's not officially supported. Sorry for leading you down the garden path ffutures...

I tend to use Avast! because I did have some problems with AVG in the early days - probably OK now, but since I'm much more familiar with Avast! I might as well stick to it.