The very first step to think about testing or analyzing application or malware is to prepare yourself an appropriate environment that is under control. It's simple:
- You don't want the application or malware to take the real effects or damage your lovely environment.
- You can control and do whatever you want inside the box.
- It's very effective and easy to work.
- Consume more resources, can cause harm to your computer, such as heating, slow like hell, unexpected NOT RESPONDING of Windows OS overtime ....
- Cost may be high depending on your personal references like using 2 or more computers to test, pay high for commercial software (VMWare Workstation...), ..
For this series, I will use VMWare Workstation for this series.
What about VMWare Workstation?
- It's a virtual machine manager, which provides you the functionality to create and test any operating system inside your main OS and doesn't affect your main one.
- Get it here: http://www.vmware.com/products/workstation/ . You have 30 days trial for now. It's a good try! My suggestion: buy if you have money because it is so GOOOOD...
- It concerns your hardware requirements. Well, at least 2 GB Ram and share 1/3 or 1/4 to virtual OS is better. It's up to you!
I think it is better to try to common operating system, Windows XP SP2 or SP3.
Here is my virtual OS specifications and settings:
We're gonna take advantages of snapshots while testing the malware.
So for now, setup your environment and get ready for the next shot!
Have fun!