In today’s world, our work and life are increasingly computer-dependent, requiring a smooth and stable system. Over time, computers can experience slowdowns or various issues, easily solvable or requiring time-consuming solutions like system reinstallation. A great solution is ensuring the system always reverts to optimal state after restart. How? By installing system restore software like Deep Freeze and Shadow System.
Many are unfamiliar with Shadow System: how to install and use it, its pros and cons. Those using it wonder if it harms hard drives. Today, YUNZE provides a brief introduction.
What is the Shadow System? #
Shadow System is a protective measure for computers. When in the shadow mode, viruses and malware can’t affect the actual OS. If issues arise, a simple restart restores the computer to the optimal state.
Pros and Cons of Shadow System #
Pros #
1. “Unlimited Use of Shareware Software”
Many shareware programs come with time limitations that aren’t easily resolved by uninstalling and reinstalling. However, with the shadow mode, bypassing this restriction is simple. As any changes made to the system partition in shadow mode become ineffective after a restart, reinstalling shareware software becomes effortless.
2. “Privacy Protection”
For individuals using public computers, leaving behind personal information in the system is undesirable. Actions like opening files or browsing the web can be tracked, and manually clearing these records isn’t easy. Shadow system offers a perfect solution by eliminating this concern.
3. “Enhanced System Security and Reduced Junk Files”
Regular computer usage can lead to malware infections and system clutter. However, these issues are wiped clean upon computer restart, enhancing security and eliminating junk files.
Cons #
1. “Operations within the Protected Partition are Erased”
Actions carried out within the protected partition are entirely wiped clean, so document operations can’t take place within the shadow system’s safeguarded area. For instance, if you choose to protect the system drive (C:), and desktop files are typically saved on C, any documents saved on the desktop will disappear after a restart.
2. “Software Installations and Modifications Not Retained”
Regardless of whether software installations are normal or abnormal, they won’t be saved within the protected area. If you choose to protect the system partition (usually C:), any software installed after protection will not be preserved.
Does Shadow System Harm Computer Hard Drives? #
Shadow System Doesn’t Alter Hard Drive Partitions, Uninstalls Thoroughly”
“It doesn’t rewrite the hard drive partition table like Ghost does, minimizing its impact on the hard drive. Instead, it protects your computer from malware and virus intrusion.”
“With these concerns addressed, let’s now delve into learning how to install and use Shadow System.
How to Install and Use Shadow System? #
Shadow System is essentially computer software, albeit with different functionalities compared to most. When using Shadow System, start by optimizing your computer to its best state. It’s generally advised to install it when the system, drivers, files, and essential software are freshly set up. This ensures a clean system, serving as an optimal ‘restore point’ for future reboots.
Of course, if the system isn’t newly installed, simple optimizations and adjustments can also be made without significant issues.
1. Install the necessary software beforehand. Installing software after starting Shadow System might lead to automatic restoration after reboot.
2. Prepare frequently used documents and tools in advance.
3. Optimize the system by cleaning unnecessary system junk, optimizing startup items, and preventing software from affecting subsequent boot speeds.
4. Pre-configure other aspects, such as wallpapers.
With the preparations in place, let’s now proceed to explore the steps for installing the Shadow System.
1. Begin by downloading a shadow system and proceed with the installation. After installation, a computer restart is required for the changes to take effect.
2. After reboot, during startup, you will encounter three modes to choose from: Normal Mode, Single Shadow Mode, and Full Shadow Mode.
Normal Mode:
Normal mode represents the computer’s basic state, similar to the absence of the shadow system. Any actions performed are retained.
Single Shadow Mode:
In Single Shadow Mode, protection is applied to the system partition (usually C:). Under this mode, actions outside of the system are retained, but operations on the system partition are not preserved.
Full Shadow Mode:
This mode extends the shadow operation to all partitions. In simple terms, regardless of your actions, the computer will revert to the previous settings upon restart, similar to how public computers in internet cafes operate.
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