Programs for freezing time and bypassing trial protections. Toolwiz Time Freeze - freezer for the system
Toolwiz Time Freeze is a unique, unusual and very useful free computer program that will allow you to “freeze” the operating system and return it to its original state after an unsuccessful experiment. For example, after a registry cleaning or optimization curve.
Such programs are also called “sandboxes”. You configured, say, something in this “sandbox”, and then rebooted the system and all the changes fell apart, as if nothing had been built.
We have figured out the purpose of the Toolwiz Time Freeze program, now let’s move on to a detailed review of it.
There are two versions of Toolwiz Time Freeze - new and old. Both of them are completely free and completely official. But! They have a very important difference - in the old version you can save changes without rebooting the system, but in the new version you cannot.
As you review the versions, you will see and understand the difference. So, here is a link to the newest version of the program...
Have you downloaded it? Installation…
...but don’t rush, read the entire review to the end to decide which version of the program will be more convenient for you.
Unfortunately, the program language is only English, but I will tell you everything, translate and show you - there is nothing complicated...
During its operation, the program writes all changes to a virtual cache, which is automatically cleared when the protection function is disabled and the system is subsequently rebooted. You can set the size of this cache in the frame where the default is 5120 MB.
Everything is clear with the first and last lines, but in the middle one, where the checkbox is already checked, you prohibit the program from starting in the system’s safe mode. If something goes wrong, you could debug the system in this mode and have these changes saved.
After installing Toolwiz Time Freeze, be sure to restart the system...
Here is the main window of the freezer program...
Let's figure it out...
Check the box here to enable auto-loading of the program along with the system.
If you check the “Enable Folder…” checkbox, you can specify a folder (Add Folder) or a separate file (Add File) that will be excluded from “freezing”. Any changes to the specified folders or files will be saved even after the system is restarted.
The “Remove Selected One” button will remove the selected items from the list (rather than completely removing them from the system) and they will be “frozen” along with the system.
The first point is all clear - enable password protection so that someone doesn’t “accidentally” freeze something for you.
The second one will enable the display of the program status on the desktop. Freezing disabled (OFF)…
...or turned on...
That's all the nuances. Now, before you start experimenting with optimization or catching viruses online, just click “Start” in the tray or in the main program window...
After that, you can safely do whatever you want - tinker with the registry, install any dubious programs, infect the system with hundreds of viruses..., but after clicking on the “Stop” button, the system will restart and any changes WILL NOT BE SAVED. The system will return to the state it was before clicking on the “Start” button.
This is the beauty of the program and... the disadvantage of this version. We turned on the freezing mode, installed some program, configured it, checked it, and it turned out that it was a good and harmless program... Now we need to restart the system and reinstall it in normal mode - a waste of time, effort and nerves.
This is the program settings window. The first line displays the program status on the desktop. Freeze is disabled...
...and the system “freeze” is turned on...
The second line is to always display the program state in the foreground of the desktop.
The third line is to hide the program in the tray.
The fourth line is to enable password protection from curious comrades.
The fifth line is to warn about the program cache being full.
The sixth (last) line is the autostart of the program with the system.
This article is devoted to the practice of using programs to “freeze” the system on computers located in public places, as well as the need to use such programs by users who cannot constantly maintain systems in a “clean” state.
It should be noted that there are two main approaches to organizing an isolated software environment:
- The user, during one session of working at the computer, uses both those programs that are running in an isolated environment, and programs that run in normal mode.
- The user creates an image of a working system, after which he begins to work with it. All user actions are saved only until a reboot, and after it is completed, the system returns to its original state.
In this article we will talk about programs that implement second an approach.
Programs for “freezing” the system can be used for the following purposes:
- protecting your computer from the effects of viruses, Trojans and other malware;
- protecting your computer when testing unstable versions of developed applications;
- maintaining computer performance at the original level, since changes do not accumulate in the OS that slow down its operation.
Deep Freeze
Deep Freeze is a proprietary utility for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux operating systems that allows users to protect the OS kernel, as well as files on the workstation from unwanted changes and restore the original system settings every time the computer is rebooted. The program protects the performance and integrity of the hard drive by redirecting write operations that are performed on data stored on the drive to its overlay, which can be located on another drive or in computer memory. As a result, the original data remains unchanged. After rebooting the system, all data that was “frozen” will be “restored”.
The advantages of Deep Freeze include support for all modern operating systems, as well as the ability to “freeze” and “unfreeze” both at the workstation level and remotely through the “Deep Freeze Enterprise Console”.
The disadvantages of Deep Freeze include a proprietary license.
Shadow Defender is a proprietary utility for Microsoft Windows that allows you to protect the OS, applications and confidential user information from the effects of malware.
The operating principle of Shadow Defender is the same as that of Deep Freeze. However, unlike Deep Freeze (the regular, non-Enterprise version), Shadow Defender provides the ability to create a list of exceptions of files whose changes should be saved when the system is rebooted, while in a “frozen” state.
Thanks to the ability to create a list of exceptions, the scope of Shadow Defender can be much wider than the same Deep Freeze. The program can be used not only on public computers as a tool for protection against destructive user actions, but also on a work PC that needs to be protected from possible failures. If you configure Shadow Defender so that the program saves changes only in specified folders, you can work with documents received from a third party without fear that they may contain viruses.
The advantages of Shadow Defender include the ability to create a list of exceptions.
The disadvantages of Shadow Defender include a proprietary license, as well as support only for Microsoft Windows.
Comodo Time Machine
Comodo Time Machine is a free utility for Microsoft Windows that allows the user to quickly return the computer to one of the previously created “snapshots” of the system. Comodo Time Machine can guarantee successful recovery of not only system files and the registry, but also user-selected data, including files and applications.
Before installation, the program checks for disk encryption applications on the system and in some cases requires you to remove these utilities. For Comodo Time Machine to work, you need to have a lot of free space on your hard drive. The program allows you to create “snapshots” of the system on a schedule, as well as roll back to one of them automatically. The program provides the ability to manage user rights. For each account, you can allow or deny access to application features. For example, one user can only create snapshots, but cannot delete them or change the schedule of the program.
The advantages of Comodo Time Machine include a free license, the ability to completely roll back the system (including user data), rollback and create “snapshots” on a schedule and from the boot console, and the ability to manage user rights.
The disadvantages of Comodo Time Machine include possible conflicts with disk encryption applications, the need for a sufficiently large amount of free space on the hard drive, and support only for Microsoft Windows.
Conclusion
Of course, the need to use programs to “freeze” the system is clear and obvious. The choice of a specific utility depends on the user's goals and objectives. For some, the decisive factor may be support for the *nix OS, for others - the freeness of the utility. In my opinion, you should choose the Comodo Time Machine utility to install on your home computer, and Deep Freeze to install on your corporate computers.
Let's try to calculate the economic efficiency of using the Deep Freeze utility in an Internet cafe. Let's assume that some Internet cafe has 20 PCs. A system administrator spends at least 2 hours a month on servicing each computer. With his salary of 15,000 rubles. per month (100 rubles per hour) we find that the cost of servicing 20 computers will be more than 4,000 rubles. per month.
According to the official website, the cost of one copy of the Deep Freeze Standard program will be about 1000 rubles. per year (20,000 rubles per year for 20 PCs). As a result, we find that when using the Deep Freeze utility to protect your computer from unstable operation and malware, the payback period will be less than 5 months. For the remaining 7 or more months, using such a solution will save the organization money.
Shadow Defender– a program that performs the so-called shadow mode function of the operating system, when its state is fixed at the time this function is launched, and all subsequent changes to the system disk are not saved. And after disabling the shadow mode, the system returns back to the fixed state.
“Shadow mode” of Windows is truly an irreplaceable thing in cases where an unauthorized user or a child is allowed to access the computer, if you want to visit Internet resources where there is a high probability of picking up malicious software code, and also if you need to experiment with system settings or test third-party software.
Since shadow mode does not save all changes made to the system, after turning off this mode and rebooting the computer, any infiltrated viruses, Trojans or spyware will disappear, all system configuration parameters affected by children or unaware users will return to their original state, and all saved on the system will be deleted. disk during shadow mode files.
Shadow Defender – shadow defender of the operating system
In Shadow Defender, "shadow mode" is called protected mode. And the name of the program – “Shadow Defender” (translated from English) – comes from its operating principle. Being in the shadows, that is, working in the background, the program protects the computer from various dangers.
Despite the fact that in Shadow Defender the function is not called “freezing”, as in other programs such as Toolwiz Time Freeze or Deep Freeze, but shadow protection, its essence is still the same - preventing unwanted changes from being made to the system. And the mechanism of operation is no different from the indicated analogue programs: Shadow Defender creates a virtual snapshot of the disk, and all further work will take place on the snapshot, and not on the real disk. An exception may be individual folders and files, for which you can set options for applying changes within the framework of protected mode. And only files and folders specially added to the Shadow Defender program will have the latest changes after exiting protected mode and restarting the computer. All other system parameters will be exactly the same as before starting protected mode. All files deleted during protected mode will be returned and those created will disappear. Themes, wallpapers, fonts and other personalization settings will return. Installed programs will be deleted, and deleted ones will appear. Activated standard services and components are deactivated and, conversely, deactivated ones are activated.
A huge advantage of Shadow Defender is its Russian-language interface with a clear and understandable organization of the program. Separate sections with various options are neatly placed in switch buttons on the right. So, let's take a closer look at the capabilities of the Shadow Defender program
Disk space information and program settings
The “System Status” section displays information about the free and used disk space on your computer.
Section "System Status"
The Shadow Defender interface is also convenient because in the “System Status” section it displays as a separate number how much disk space is used to perform the tasks of the program itself. So, at any time you can quickly respond if the system disk becomes cluttered. And you won’t have to strain to find which file or folder is taking up a lot of disk space to the detriment of the full operation of the system.
In the “Administration” section we can remove or apply certain settings for the operation of the program. In particular, you can remove the program from startup, since it is unceremoniously added there during installation.
"Administration" section
List of exceptions
The “Exception List” section is provided, as already mentioned, for saving individual files and the contents of selected folders while the system is in protected mode.
After the system exits protected mode, the state of the system disk will not be saved, and only the files and folders added to this section will be affected by all changes made. From the moment you start protected mode, Shadow Defender creates a dynamic copy of these files and folders, and after returning the system to the state it was before starting protected mode, the data from the copies will be transferred to the real disk. So, even in protected mode, you can freely work with documents, images, download music and videos by adding the files themselves or their storage folders to the “Exception List” section of Shadow Defender.
Important point: You must add files and folders to the exclusion list before starting protected mode.
To add files or folders to the exclusion list, click the “File” or “Folder” button and select them in Explorer.
Then click the “Apply” button.
That's it - now these files and folders are protected from data loss.
To remove files and folders from the exclusion list, select them and click the “Delete” button.
Just like files or folders, you can create an exception list for individual registry entries in the Registry Exceptions section. And changes in these registry entries within the framework of protected mode will be saved.
If saving files or entire folders becomes necessary after enabling protected mode, the issue can only be resolved in the “Save Now” section. The principle of adding and deleting files and folders is the same as in the case of the “Exclusion List” section. Unlike the latter, the “Save Now” section allows you to add files and folders after starting protected mode.
Switching to protected mode
The button to launch the most secure mode is located in the “Mode Settings” section. Here you need to select the disk that you want to protect. Then click the “Protected Mode” button.
The program offers a choice of two types of protected mode. The first is when the mode will no longer be active after a reboot, and the system will return to its previous state. The second is when, after a reboot, the system will continue to be in protected mode until exited by a separate command. (Clarification: Shadow Defender starts the mode again after a reboot, and if you have not added the file (which you are experimenting with) to the exceptions folder, it will disappear after rebooting the PC). By the way, not every program similar to Shadow Defender offers the ability to work even after a reboot in shadow mode. As a rule, with a reboot, all unfinished experiments with software disappear into oblivion. For example, in the case of testing programs that require a reboot after installation. So the Shadow Defender program has a special plus for this opportunity.
We select what best suits the situation and click “OK”.
That's it - now the system disk is protected. And this will be additionally indicated by the inscription at the top of the desktop.
Now any Windows settings - from a harmless change of wallpaper on the desktop to the destruction of important system files - will have no effect after exiting protected mode and rebooting the computer. The only thing that will remain with the latest changes being recorded are the files, folders and registry entries in the exclusion list.
Exiting Protected Mode
If you no longer need Protected Mode, you can exit it. This can be done by rebooting if the “Exit protected mode after reboot” type was selected. If the “Remain in protected mode” type was selected, click the “Disable all protection” button in the same “Mode settings” section. In the latter case, you will also need to restart the computer.
After the reboot, the system will be in the state it was in before turning on protected mode - with the same wallpaper, with the same settings, with the same installed programs.
How to freeze or remove a system program from Android. One of the first problems that every owner of a new gadget running Android encounters is the presence of a large number of unnecessary programs. Some of them are demo versions of paid programs, others have much more powerful and convenient analogues, others are simply useless utilities or old games. In any case, you will want to get rid of them, but this is not so easy. Very often, such programs have system status, and they cannot be removed in the usual way. Therefore, in this article we will tell you how to get rid of unnecessary programs in Android using Titanium Backup.
How to disable a system application in the standard way
Before turning to such a powerful tool, which is Titanium Backup, be sure to check if you can neutralize unnecessary programs in a simpler way. To do this, open your device settings, go to the “Applications” section and find the application you are interested in.
If in the program properties you see an active “Disable” button, as in the right screenshot, this means that this application can be disabled without any consequences for the operation of the system. In most cases, it is preferable to use this option, as it is the safest and allows you to easily return the application back to service if your opinion subsequently changes.
If it is impossible to either disable or remove the program, then you will have to resort to the services of Titanium Backup. With its help, you can not only freeze, but also completely remove unnecessary programs from Android.
How to freeze a program using Titanium Backup
To use this method, you will need superuser rights. What they are and how you can get them can be found in this article.
In addition, we would like to warn you that any manipulation of system files carries a potential risk. As a result of thoughtlessly disabling or, even more so, deleting system components, you may lose both individual Android functions and end up with a completely inoperable system. Therefore, think carefully about your actions. Remember that only you are responsible for the consequences of your actions.
Immediately after installing and launching Titanium Backup, the program will ask you to grant it superuser rights and will make a list of all installed applications. You can find basic information about the status of Titanium Backup on the Overview tab.
If you are not completely sure of the need for a particular program, it would be most prudent to use the freezing function rather than deleting. In this case, the unnecessary application will be completely hidden from the operating system, as if it were absent. But if necessary or if something goes wrong, you can easily restore its operation.
To freeze a system program using Titanium Backup, follow these steps.
2. Go to the "Backups" tab.
3. Find the program you want to remove and tap on its name.
4. In the pop-up window that appears, click on the “Delete” button.
5. You will be shown a warning about the importance of the next step. Review it and click the confirm button.
As we warned you earlier, deleting some system applications can lead to unexpected and unpleasant consequences, which may not appear immediately, but during subsequent use of the gadget. Therefore, it would be very reasonable to first freeze the programs that are bothering you, and only after some time have passed, decide to remove them.
Viruses, spyware, utilities that make unwanted changes to the operating system - every computer technology enthusiast who cannot imagine his life without researching various kinds of software and games has probably encountered such problems. But naive beginners who believe in instant and stunning earnings on the Internet, and, of course, those who like to fool around on porn sites are exposed to much greater danger. What kind of programs have not been invented to protect a computer - antiviruses, antispyware, services for blocking dangerous sites, sandboxes (special programs for testing software in a safe environment), programs for installing virtual operating systems, etc. One of these programs will be discussed below.
1. Toolwiz Time Freeze: the essence of the program
Meet Toolwiz Time Freeze - a completely free program that temporarily “freezes” the state of your operating system while you test various software or games, visit dangerous sites, or even scan for viruses on your computer. As part of this “freezing”, you can do any dangerous things without fear of harming the operating system. Since this very “freezing” is nothing more than creating a point for rolling back the system to the state in which the system was before the launch of the Toolwiz Time Freeze program. Thus, if you encounter problems with the operating system while testing software, surfing the web on dangerous sites, or performing other dubious operations, you can roll it back to the moment when everything was fine.
How does Toolwiz Time Freeze work? When launched, the program creates a snapshot of your operating system. From this moment on, all your further actions take place in a virtual environment.
At the end of your research, the program will allow you to choose whether to apply the changes made during the “freezing” (for example, removed or installed programs, created or deleted files and folders, system settings and other actions) or not, i.e. perform a system rollback until Toolwiz Time Freeze is launched.
2. Interface and organization of different versions of the program
Unfortunately, Toolwiz Time Freeze does not support the Russian language. However, given its minimalism, this is unlikely to become a serious obstacle to the use of the program even by novice users.
The previous version of Toolwiz Time Freeze - v2.2 - had a number of difficulties with the interface. Thus, the user could not immediately understand how to minimize the program, because instead of the usual button for minimizing the window, the developers came up with a regular text link for this. However, this version had a more understandable organization of work - when the program was turned off, the user saw a service menu where he could choose to save system changes or roll back the system until it was “frozen.” In the updated version of Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014, this point may be somewhat unclear for those who are just getting acquainted with the program. By the way, we will return to this issue below.
The latest, updated version of the Toolwiz Time Freeze program, the full name of which no longer includes its version, but the number 2014 (a kind of program for next year, as we see) is the result of quite radical changes in the interface and some program options. Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 has acquired a more interesting color scheme in dark blue tones (predecessor versions had a white, ascetic design), and the organization of the interface program has become more “civilized”. From now on, you can minimize the program using the classic button in the upper right corner of its window. The mechanism for launching the program remained unchanged - it is still the same “Start” button.
The program settings section has disappeared: thus, the already small arsenal of options is now located in the program window itself:
- at the top there is an option to autorun the program along with Windows;
- at the bottom there is an option to set a password to block access to Toolwiz Time Freeze itself and an option to configure the display of the toolbar (a small panel on the desktop showing the status of the program).
But a much greater surprise for old fans of the program will be the absence of the usual option to apply operating system changes during “freezing” with Toolwiz Time Freeze. Now, when you stop the program, you will no longer be prompted to choose to save changes. System changes are saved automatically if you exit the Toolwiz Time Freez program.
3. Instructions for using the program
Let's look at the specific operating algorithm of Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014.
Before, for example, installing a program that interests you, downloaded from an unknown Internet resource, run Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014. It will appear in the system tray. Call up the context menu on its icon in the system tray and expand the program - this is the “Show Program” option. For convenience, you can activate the program toolbar on the desktop, which will show the program’s operating status and duplicate the options of the program icon in the system tray.
Start the “freezing” process - click “ Start" Next, install any programs from unverified sources, make any settings without worrying about your operating system.
When you have completed your research, click the " Stop" programs. Next, Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 will give you two options - restart the computer and return to the “freeze” point (click “OK”) or exit without rebooting (click “Cancel”). Which option should I choose?
Rolling back the system to the freezing point
If the program you are testing does not suit you, does not work correctly, or has introduced unwanted settings into the system, you need to click “OK” and wait until the computer reboots. After the reboot, your operating system will appear in front of you exactly in the same form in which it was before the “freeze” - that is, before launching Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014.
Applying changes to the system
If you liked the program you tested and would like to apply the changes to the system, click “Cancel” and exit without rebooting. In this case, Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 will not stop working and you need to exit it. Call the context menu on the toolbar or on the program tray icon and click “Exit” - the exit option.
4. Protect folders and individual files
Another feature of Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 is to protect folders on your system drive and individual files contained on your computer. You can “freeze”—that is, block from deletion—important system folders, as well as individual files, so that they are not accidentally deleted by children or careless employees at work. To do this, place the selected folders or files in the Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 list using the “Add File” and “Add Folder” buttons. Then enable the autorun option of Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 along with Windows and set a password to enter the program itself. To install it, enable the “Enable Password Protection for the control” option and set the password you created in the “Modify Password” setting. That's it - now no one will enter the program without a password and will not delete “frozen” folders and files.
5. Summing up
What can I say about the program as a whole? Of course, this is an ideal solution for those who like to test various software, whose computers do not allow full-fledged work in programs for creating virtual operating systems such as VirtualBox or VMware Workstation. Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 is extremely simple, performs a couple of strictly defined functions, without frightening beginners with an excess of settings and unnecessary functions.
Regarding the disadvantages, there are ambiguities in the organization of work of Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014, which can, unfortunately, confuse beginners. In particular, anyone who uses the program for the first time will rightly be faced with the question of applying system changes after stopping the “freeze”. And he can only get an answer “at random.” It’s much easier to operate with clear and understandable options – “Return to the freezing point” or “Stop the program and apply the changes made.” Perhaps this is the only drawback of the program, which the developers may eliminate in the near future by introducing more clarity into the organization of the Toolwiz Time Freeze 2014 program.
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