Responsible testing of unfamiliar software
RunContainer can help you evaluate software you don't yet know well, as long as you stay careful.
Before you test
- Prefer official sources. Download from the developer's own website or an official store.
- Scan the installer with your usual security software.
- Back up important files on your PC.
- Create a dedicated environment just for testing. Don't use an environment that holds software you rely on.
While you test
- Don't sign in to important accounts (email, banking, work) from software you're still evaluating.
- Don't open sensitive files in it.
- Decline extra offers during installation, such as toolbars or bundled programs.
- Watch what it asks for. Requests for administrator rights, drivers or restarts deserve a second thought.
After you test
- If you don't want to keep it, reset or remove the test environment.
- If you do want to keep it, consider installing it fresh into an everyday environment, rather than reusing the test environment.
If something seems wrong
If an application behaves suspiciously (unexpected pop-ups, changed settings outside its environment, unknown sign-in alerts):
- Stop the application and close RunContainer.
- Disconnect from the internet if you're concerned it's sending data.
- Run a full scan with your security software.
- Change passwords for any accounts you used while it was running, using a different, trusted device.
- Remove the environment once you're done investigating.
If you believe RunContainer itself let an application affect your PC in a way it shouldn't, please see Reporting security issues.
Malware research
Deliberately running known malware calls for dedicated, disconnected equipment and specialist tools. RunContainer isn't designed or suitable for that purpose.