Using a Sandbox to install programs

I know Avast has one, which is the antivirus program I use anyway

Sandboxie is another program I know.

you could also use vmware or virtualbox. dunno if it fits your needs.

VirtualBox is a VM and not a sandbox and I would recommend you to use it instead of an sandbox like Sandboxie.
I don't know what Windows you have, so I just googled one for Win 7, just google it if you have something different xD

so virtualbox will keep my files safe like a sandbox would?

sorry for all the questions, just want to be 100% sure on my info XD

Sandboxie is a great service, and there's a free version too.

i use vmware workstation .. i install 1 vm, create snapshots of the fresh installation .. instal a lot of programs .. then.. just going back to the first snapshots to get the fresh installation again ... :D and also i can simulate 3d vga in the vm for some programs that need direct3d or opengl to run

I sort of use sandboxing. I use PortableApps which is not exactly the same thing, but similar. Some programs I install (Firefox, Thunderbird, Steam, VLC); others, if there is a Portable version (app must be modified to run in a sort of virtual sandbox, that is not so much secure as "portable," so it doesn't muck up the Registry) I will use that. PortableApps.com is where all the legit ones live. There are other sources, but I won't help you find them. If you want illicit portable applications you probably know where to look, just add "portable" to your search. Not hard.

As for Sandboxie... it's nagware, and if you pay for it, there is no perpetual or lifetime license, it has recurring fees. It's not a web service, it's an app. So why is the paid license temporary? I would not trust them personally. I mean, they're advertising a permanent solution, but the pricing makes it seem temporary. How much to just keep it? They don't sell it like that. Of course I have heard that Sandboxie is a way to get around timed trials of shareware and I've also heard that this is one of its purposes. So if you're paying them a recurring fee and saving the money by cheating other devs, that isn't cool.

I believe in free software. There's almost always a free alternative to that paid app you use. I also believe in paid software and games. But if I pay for it, it's mine. I do not believe in renting content.

If you want to be hardcore, you can get DeepFreeze for your machine, and reboot in frozen mode whenever you want to screw around with random files without any risk. Of course, on the down side, it requires restarts to freeze, don't forget your password or you'll have some trouble, and if you leave your machine frozen, stuff won't save right. You can make thawed spaces in some versions, but obviously that defeats the point of freezing your machine to keep it safe.

You've only just heard of other people using a sandbox, and now you're asking here if there are more people that do. You're also asking what programs people use and you need tips on how to set one up.

I think the question you should be asking yourself is why do you want to use a sandbox?

Idk the most recommended program is sandboxie :P I hardly use it though, only when the linker recommends me to use it just in case.