FAQ

What is BufferZone?

BufferZone is the only security software that creates a separate environment allowing you unlimited freedom to enjoy the Internet without the fear of external threats.

With Buffer Zone you can finally:

  • Surf anywhere & download anything worry free.
  • Open email attachments with no fear.
  • Share and chat with your friends safely.
  • E-bank with peace of mind.
  • Keep private files & folders invisible to malicious attacks.
  • Use external media/storage with no threat of PC infection.

 

How is BufferZone different from antivirus software?

BufferZone protects your system by creating a virtual "Buffer" zone where all unknown and untrusted applications can safely run. Unlike traditional antivirus software, no signature update is required when new viruses appear.

If I use BufferZone, can I remove all other anti-virus programs?

BufferZone was designed to complement your anti-virus which will continue to detect known viruses within the Virtual Zone and outside of it. You should always keep your anti-virus on.

How is BufferZone different from spyware scanners like Adware?

Spyware scanners detect very specific threats by identifying specific files, registry keys, cookies, etc. The scanner must be updated periodically with new threat parameters (in a similar way to conventional antivirus software). BufferZone does not detect specific threats, but provides total system protection with the Virtual Zone, and does not need updates avoiding critical time when new attacks arrive.

Does BufferZone work with Windows 98, 98SE, ME or Windows 2000?

No. For BufferZone Minimum System Requirements, please visit http://www.trustware.com/BufferZone_System_Requirements/

Do I need to know a lot about computers to use BufferZone?

No. BufferZone was designed with non-technical people in mind and requires no special knowledge to use. Actually, BufferZone works almost entirely on its own. You really do not have to do anything except relax and enjoy your Internet.

Can I still use the Windows Vista Shadow Copy feature on files after I have moved them inside BufferZone?

No. If you moved a file into BufferZone or outside BufferZone you cannot revert to previous versions of the file using the Shadow Copy feature.

I can no longer see the files stored in my "My Documents" folder from my Browser. What should I do?

By default, "My Documents" folder is marked as "confidential," making these files invisible to applications running inside BufferZone, which is in fact what is supposed to happen. If you need access to "My Documents" from your Browser you can:

  1. Run the folder outside of BufferZone. Note: this action will leave you unprotected by BufferZone for this browsing session.

  2. Copy the relevant files to a location outside the Confidential folders. Note: this action will also leave those files unprotected by BufferZone.

I am not able to attach files on my browser based email (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail etc.). Why is this happening? What do I do?

BufferZone labels your "My Documents" files "confidential" essentially hiding them from the Virtual Zone where potential threats exist. By default, your Web browsers and other Web based programs are buffered from your personal folders and sub-folders inside the Virtual Zone.

  1. Click the BufferZone icon
  2. Click Privacy Zone to add your web based e-mail to the Privacy Zone list.

  3. Use Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail etc. (all trusted sites) outside the Virtual Zone inside the green (private) border and attach files freely.

I am not able to use Internet Explorer inside BufferZone. What do I do?

This is a rare problem with a simple solution. Empty the BufferZone's registry and try again. If this doesn't work, contact our support team.

BufferZone Features

How can I protect my Outlook using BufferZone?

Outlook is automatically protected by BufferZone. The reason you don't see a red border around it is because only your email attachments are opened in the Virtual Zone. Attachments that are programs (executable files, scripts, macros) without a signature are also opened inside the Virtual Zone.

Does BufferZone provide any buffer overflow protection?

Yes. A buffer overflow in a program running inside BufferZone cannot be exploited to run malicious code outside BufferZone. However, programs running outside BufferZone are not protected from such attack.

How does BufferZone protect against keyloggers?

Programs running inside BufferZone are prevented from using specific system calls required for capturing keyboard input as well as from installing Global Hooks.

I downloaded a file and all I can see is a shortcut icon. Where was the original file saved?

Every file downloaded by BufferZone is automatically saved inside the Virtual folder (C:\Virtual) and a shortcut to this file is created in the download destination folder. From now on, this file will be opened inside BufferZone. Right clicking on the shortcut and choosing "Move out of BufferZone" will copy the downloaded file from the virtual directory to its original location and the shortcut will be deleted.

Compatibility

Is BufferZone compatible with other security programs?

Yes. BufferZone is compatible with most antivirus programs as well as with Trojan Horse removal programs such as Ad-Aware and MS AntiSpyware.

Is BufferZone compatible with personal firewalls like ZoneAlarm?

Yes. BufferZone is compatible with software and hardware firewalls. The firewall should be installed outside BufferZone.

Will BufferZone slow down my computer?

A slight delay may be observed when starting a new program for the first time in BufferZone. Normal operation should not be affected.

Support

What type of support is available?

Online Support assistance is available at BufferZone Community forums: www.trustware.com/forum/

Security and Privacy

Why does BufferZone connect to its server after installation?

The Home version of BufferZone will connect to Trustware's server for a version upgrade check (making sure it is the most recent version). The Corporate version of BufferZone is a managed version that receives its security policy from a corporate server.

Installation, Setup and Configuration

Can I reinstall BufferZone on the same machine?

Yes. If you are switching between different versions of BufferZone (Home, Corporate or one of the P2P versions), we recommend the following:

  1. Verify that you do not have crucial data stored inside the Virtual folder. Note: If you select "clean BufferZone virtual files" during the uninstall process those files will be deleted.

  2. Un-install the older version, reboot and then install the new one.

Is it possible to prevent BufferZone from starting automatically?

BufferZone is installed as a device driver and is automatically loaded on system startup. After startup, BufferZone service can be stopped by using the "Unload" feature. To prevent the driver from automatically loading, Windows must be started in Safe Mode.