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Dell unveils sandboxed version of Firefox

By

On July 20, 2010, 10:07 AM

firefox, de
Dell is hoping to make web browsing a safer experience for corporate and home users with the release of a modified Firefox build that can reportedly keep malware locked into the browser itself, rather than infecting the whole operating system. The new software is simply dubbed 'Secure Browser' and comes courtesy of KACE, a system management solutions firm Dell acquired earlier this year.

Essentially the Dell KACE Secure Browser uses application virtualization technology to provide an isolated instance of Firefox -- currently version 3.6 -- with Adobe Flash and Reader installed. This sandboxing approach helps proactively contain threats before your anti-virus and anti-malware tools can detect them, thus preventing any changes to the system. Changes made to the browser itself within the isolated container can be easily reset to their original state.

For now, Secure Browser only works on 32-bit systems. It should function just like your normal Firefox installation with add-ons support and all. However, users will have to re-download and reinstall the Dell KACE Secure Browser if they want to benefit from updates to the software. While anyone can download the massive 75MB file and start using Secure Browser, Dell KACE customers get additional value as it integrates with the firm's K1000 Management Appliance for central deployment and admin control. A version using Internet Explorer is due for release later this year.

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7 comments

User Comments: 7

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  1. July 20, 2010 11:25 AM
    JMMD
    JMMD, TechSpot Chancellor, said:

    I wonder how this compares to just using Sandboxie (what I use).

    Reply
  2. July 20, 2010 2:05 PM
    PaulWuzHere
    PaulWuzHere said:

    A platform made standard like this will hopefully better protect the average user. I hope adoption rate is good and that other OEMs make the same move.

    Reply
  3. July 20, 2010 2:37 PM
    LightHeart said:

    If only x64 versions would be released...

    Reply
  4. July 20, 2010 5:30 PM
    Guest said:

    I'm am stunned a firefox version was released before IE.

    We are making progress people finally!

    Reply
  5. July 20, 2010 7:38 PM
    Guest said:

    Would be a good idea, but, knowing Dell, it will greenlight all of Dell's annoying ad's LOL.

    Also, why no x64 bit?

    I also use a sandboxed version of firefox when I feel the need to visit a "questionable" website.

    Reply
  6. July 20, 2010 11:35 PM
    treetops
    treetops said:

    Great idea.

    Reply
  7. July 21, 2010 3:01 PM
    Jibberish18 said:

    No 64-Bit? I'm sure most of DELL's computers are being sold with Win 7 64-Bit by default so I wonder why no 32-Bit support.

    Reply

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