Install software virtually and protect your computer using Altiris software virtualization

Posted on October 22, 2007 at 11:17 am

As a tech blog writer, I routinely install software onto my computer before writing about it and recommending it. However, I usually do not uninstall every program simply because it takes time and I’m lazy, so eventually my computer starts to get very slow. At that point, I do a good spring cleaning and wipe out all the programs I’m not using.

To find a solution for keeping my computer running smoothly without having to run all of my software on a virtual machine, I ended up finding a free program called Altiris Software Virtualization Solution (SVS). Using this program, you install software into a "virtual layer" instead of onto your operating system which captures all files changes, registry changes, and system changes and saves them into the layer instead of onto your computer.

So you might ask "Well what does that mean?" Basically, it means that every change to the system is NOT PERMANENT, which means you can uninstall an application cleanly (as if it was never installed) and avoid registry changes which end up slowing your computer down. It keeps your registry clean and avoids modification of system files.

Another really nice feature of installing software into a virtual layer is that if the program becomes corrupt or ends up in a non-working state, you can SWTICH back to the originally installed version of the program (reset it). Also, if you’re trying to install one application that conflicts with another application, you can use Altiris SVS to install it in its own layer which will be completely invisible to other apps.

Once you’ve downloaded the application and run the installer, you’ll be asked for the Product Key. Click Get it Free and type in your email address. You’ll be able to download the key.

Now that it’s installed, you can either download pre-created virtual software packages of about 40 applications or you can start with a new app. Downloading the pre-created SVS packages means they will automatically run in a virtual layer. If you’re installing your own app, you need to make sure you install it using the SVS program, otherwise it’ll install normally.

To install a new app in a virtual layer, follow these steps:

1. Download the program that you want to install

2. Open the Altiris SVS Admin program. Choose File and then Create New Layer.

3. Choose Install Application and click Next.

4. Name the layer after the program and click Next. Select Single program capture. Browse for the install file and then click Next and Finish.

5. Now install the program like you normally would. Any files or registry changes that the install makes will be recorded by SVS and put into the virtual layer.

As the program records the changes, you’ll see a lightening bolt in the system tray. After the installer finishes, the base layer for the program will have been captured. Any changes after this point can always be reset to the original layer by right-clicking on the layer and choosing "Reset Layer".

You can also deactivate the layer and the program will simply disappear from your computer as if it had never been installed. You can reactivate the layer at any time.

Software virtualization is a great way to keep your operating system running smoothly no matter how many applications you decide to install. So the next time you’re planning on installing an app, make sure you install it into a virtual software layer!