Microsoft Offers Free Anti-Spyware to Windows Users
by
Anne P. Mitchell, Esq. - 6 Comments, Last updated
01/17/2005
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Consider it an act of contrition, largesse, or just good business sense, but Microsoft is making available its new anti-spyware software free to Windows users.
Having acquired anti-spyware maker Giant Company last month, it was anticipated that Microsoft would enfold a spyware fighting product into its offerings, but that it came so soon, and at such a reasonable price, is pleasantly surprising.
According to Microsoft, “Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware”, which although available now is still considered to be in beta mode, “is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your computer.
The worldwide SpyNetâ„¢ community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your computer so you stay up to date.”
The “SpyNet” community seems to be a feedback system not unlike that employed by Cloudmark and the recently reported Netcraft anti-phishing toolbar.
Windows users can download the beta program at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx.
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Is Microsoft’s Anti-Spyware Really a Bootlegged Windows “Gotcha!”?
Not long ago Aunty reported to you about Microsoft’s new, free anti-spyware. Aunty thought that this wasn’t a bad idea. However, over the course of the past few days, some people have come to believe that the offering is not…
Trackback by Lockergnome’s Windows Fanatics — 1/17/2005 @ 3:22 pm
Just ran it after running 3 other spyware “cleaners” It fopund many files and many reg keys missed by the others. Looks to be a keeper!!!
Comment by dave — 1/8/2005 @ 8:03 am
I downloaded on Jan 6 and I liked the Interface, The Advanced Options, the Real Time Protection . . . The BEST part was that it found 8 Items my other Software had not found and 37 Registry entries other Software had not located ! ! ! So far . . . so Good !
later . . .
Comment by ronon48 — 1/7/2005 @ 3:39 pm
I downloaded and ran the program today. It worked great and got rid of a virus, Trojano-803, which I was unable to remove with avast! Antivirus.
A keeper.
Comment by John Burnitt — 1/7/2005 @ 11:38 am
I downloaded it yesterday and used it after running the free versions of Spybot and Ad Aware. It caught 9 or 10 pieces of spyware the above programs hadn’t detected.
Comment by Jerry Rinebolt — 1/7/2005 @ 10:27 am
I downloaded it a couple hours ago. I caught a couple of pieces of spyware. Overall, it appears to be working pretty well. It has a tendency to want to turn my web experience to an MSN mindset, but so far, nothing appears too fishy (phishy).
Comment by Keniza — 1/7/2005 @ 3:59 am