Hopedot VOS (Security Edition) 1.3.0.32768

Overview

An OS within an OS, now that’s something you don’t see every day. Hopedot VOS is a virtual operating system similar to your Windows OS, which is installed like a regular application and is used normally like a second operating system, separate from the main one. In Hopedot VOS you can install unlimited applications and run them, surf the net and generally do most things you are able to do in Windows. You also have the ability to transfer files between the host OS and the virtual OS, which data in the Security Edition of Hoepdot VOS is encrypted and can only be accessed by inputting the correct password. This is the main difference between the Security and Standard version of this software.

Installation

There is nothing out of the ordinary during the first steps of the setup, but after choosing the location that VOS will be installed you have to enter a couple of details before proceeding. The installation will create a new partition and you have to enter its capacity (which cannot be less than 100MB) as well as choose a login password. The creation of the partition process will not take long, and then the installation will begin and finish after a few minutes.

The supported operating systems are the 32-bit versions of Windows 2000, 2003, XP and 7.

Interface

Upon launching you are asked to enter the password you chose during installation. Then you will be able to start using VOS, or alternatively check its disk (the partition you created) for problems and repair it. If you start VOS, a new window will appear and ask you to create an account and pick a password for it (different from the one you entered before). You also have to enter a password for data transfer between this VOS and the host operating system. Multiple accounts can be created for use between different users. Next you will be prompted to login to one of the created accounts and your session in VOS will start.

The interface is exactly like a Windows interface, with many of the icons and menus being the same as you have in your own Windows. There is a toolbar on top, from which you can import/export files between the two desktops, switch between them, lock VOS or change its settings. This is the main difference from the normal Windows desktop.

Pros

It is very lightweight, meaning that there is no real difference in performance while running it. It is quite surprising for this kind of program not to cause lagging or crashes. In addition, the interface looks very similar to that of Windows so it needs no practice to get familiar with it. If you don’t want to alternate between desktops all the time, you can enable the small window feature from the settings menu, which instead opens a small window that looks like a file browser and has all the functions VOS has gathered in one place.

If you have it installed in a USB drive, you can carry it around and run it from any PC without having to install it on each computer every time, as long as its operating system is a compatible one.

There is no data communication between the two desktops, all the files are encrypted and kept in VOS, although you have the ability to transfer files between them using a password. Even if a virus infects either of the operating systems, it will not affect the other one.

The trial version is not limited at all; everything is available in it, but it will only stop functioning after 100 uses.

Cons

There are a few graphical glitches here and there, like descriptive balloons not disappearing. But the main graphical bug is that VOS loads some of Windows’ graphics and when it imports them they look kind of messy, especially when you have a custom theme installed. Furthermore, there seem to be some text errors as if they are translation mistakes.

Alternatives

Windows Virtual PC is an application from Microsoft that lets you run any Windows OS, such as XP or 7, from you Windows 7 machine. Features include one-click launch, easy access of portable storage devices or printers and data transfer between the two operating systems. VirtualBox is another OS virtualization freeware that can be run under Windows, Mac or Linux and has a large OS support for launching. Another great alternative is VMware. Its Basic version is free for use and has many features, whilst the other versions are intended for more professional use.

Conclusion

Hopedot VOS is a unique software with a number of features that only you can define, since it allows you to do anything you would do on a normal Windows machine. With the Security Edition adding up to the defensive zone between host and guest OS, there is no chance that this product will leave you unhappy. Remember, you have 100 free uses in the trial version, that’s more than enough to prove its worth.