Setting up User account to test new software

[pjny]

I need to test some new software including VMWare 10 and want to keep my new High Sierra install clean.

If I install a few programs in the standard account then delete the standard account when I am done....will all the files associated with the software install be wiped out when I delete the account?

Thanks

 

[dacreativeguy]

No. Applications are usually installed in the system level applications directory, so deleting a specific user account won't delete installed apps. If you really want a test system, either create another partition and install another instance of MacOS or use VMWare to create a Mac VM.

 

[pjny]

Thanks. I am installing a clone of my High Sierra install on a separate partition on my SSD. I am doing this so I can install apps that are from unidenfied developers such as CHIRP radio programming software. I don't want any of my sensitive data/information on the main partition compromised.

If I do get some malware or malicious software on this partition can it access data from my main installation/partition?