Windows Defender (Beta 2)

[alsiladka]

Windows Defender (Beta 2) detects and removes known spyware from your computer, which helps make your Internet browsing safer.

The software uses automatic definition updates provided by Microsoft analysts to help detect and remove new threats as the threats are identified.

Improvements in Windows Defender (Beta 2)

•Enhanced performance through a new scanning engine.

•Streamlined, simplified user interface and alerts.

•Improved control over programs on your computer using enhanced Software Explorer.

•Multiple language support with globalization and localization features.

•Protection technologies for all users, whether or not they have administrator rights on the computer.

•Support for assistive technology for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.

•Support for Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

•Automatic cleaning according to your settings during regularly scheduled scans.

Benefits of Windows Defender (Beta 2)

Helps detect and remove spyware

•Spyware detection.

Quickly and easily finds spyware and other unwanted programs that can slow down your computer, display annoying pop-up ads, change Internet settings, or use your private information without your consent.

•Straightforward operation and thorough removal technology.

Eliminates detected spyware easily at your direction. If you inadvertently remove programs that you actually want, it's easy to get them back.

•Scheduled scanning and removal.

Runs these processes when it's convenient for you, whether it's on-demand or on a schedule that you set.

Improves Internet browsing safety

•Helps stop spyware before it infiltrates your computer.

Offers a continuous safeguard designed to target all the ways that spyware can infiltrate your computer.

•Works without distracting you.

Runs in the background and automatically handles spyware based on preferences that you set. You can use your computer with minimal interruption.

Helps stop the latest threats

•Expertise you can rely on.

A dedicated team of Microsoft researchers continuously searches the Internet to discover new spyware and develop methods to counteract it.

•Stops new threats quickly.

A voluntary, worldwide network of Windows Defender (Beta 2) users helps Microsoft determine which suspicious programs to classify as spyware. Participants help discover new threats quickly and notify Microsoft analysts, so that everyone is better protected. Anyone who uses Windows Defender (Beta 2) can join this network and help report potential spyware to Microsoft.

•Automatically stays up to date.

To help protect your computer from the latest threats, you can choose to have updates that counteract new spyware automatically downloaded to your computer.

Windows Defender (Beta 2) detects and removes known spyware from your computer, which helps make your Internet browsing safer.

The software uses automatic definition updates provided by Microsoft analysts to help detect and remove new threats as the threats are identified.

Scrrenshot Gallery

Edited February 14, 2006 by alsiladka

[alsiladka]

Ok , after cooling down and seeing what it is like for a day , i have had to change my views and comments.

1. Microsoft have at last shown the users of XP what they intend to do with security in Vista. From being an OS-External app , they have turned their AntiSpyware solution as an OS-internal app. Which is actually , quite better than the previous concept.

2. It no longer shows up in the System tray all the time , its mechanisms are not OS-independent and it really does not look life something different than the Operating System. Giving a feeling that an AntiSpyware protection is a part of the OS is definitely a far more secure protection. It gives the users warning and messages only when some issue or info need to be passed on to the user. Well, that is how the other stuff in windows work , dont they? Pus , it does not update by itself , uses the Windows update mechanism , which once again is cool.

3. Running in the background as a OS-Service means that nearly all the happening do pass through its jurisdiction! Well all i am trying to say is , now it makes me feel more secure than when AntiSpyware used to run and behave like another 3rd Party app.

4. Now to the features and working , definite let down from the AntiSpyware!!! Where are the awsome Advanced feature? BHO's , ActiveX, Browser pages . Well those were the features that kept it a notch above the rest in the Business.

5. They have really turned and scaled it down to be really really simple .It may please the generally "not intrested in the details and advanced info " Worldwide Windows Home users , but what about the Techies and the advanced user? You could have made 2 UIs or display options , Basic and Advanced and let us choose what we wanted!!!

6. Have not been able to test its protection till now , but it displayed its scanning engine pretty foolishly

An icon file that is simply absurd and illogical!!!! This is not the security you want to give to the users!!!!

7. Seeing the scaling down of the features in this , I just, dont know from where , started feeling that they are trying to build up the market for OneCare. Previously the AntiSpyware worked so well , that it nearly made even an antiVirus not that important , belive me , i had only the AntiSpyware running since it was launched , and never did i face any virus attack. Though trojans tried to attack me a few times , AntiSpyware was brilliant in safegaurding me. Now , this may have just dented the prospects of OneCare , and maybe thats the reason we are seeing a simpler Windows Defender. Definitely a mean trick if thats what they intend to do

8. All in All , not bad concept , not bad working. Just need to improve the Scanning engine and lets hope, the feature of AntiSpyware are back

Edited February 15, 2006 by alsiladka

[suryad]

I downloaded and tried it and then uninstalled it because it is a lot more intrusive than MS Antispyware was. Annoyed me.

[godan]

I really don't like that I can't hide that stupid icon in my taskbar saying my definitions havn't been updated in 20 days, and I also hate the fact that there is no progress bar or any indication when you click the "Check for Updates" button that the stupid icon brings up. This really does seem like a step back unless I am doing something wrong or missing something... if so some one please tell me.

[WolfX2]

You always beat me to it alsiladka

as for windows defender... ITS GOOD!

I really love it! Its simple and very easy to get used too! Plus i like the new GUI

[Tarun]

I got the exact same result for the icon... ...and ignored it. I'll scan again in the next few days after the defs are updated.

[alsiladka]

Updated my statements and views.

[flyingfiddler]

I downloaded it, however I use a French XP install primarily... and it seems there's some issues with no USERS group on the PC. Last I heard Microsoft was trying to get a fix out to the public. Anyone hear any updates?

That castle wall icon sure looks non-professional if you ask me.

Cheers,

Dan

[Tarun]

I downloaded it, however I use a French XP install primarily... and it seems there's some issues with no USERS group on the PC. Last I heard Microsoft was trying to get a fix out to the public. Anyone hear any updates?

That castle wall icon sure looks non-professional if you ask me.

Cheers,

Dan

1. 
   Workaround for the installer bug if you are not running non-English Windows version:
   
2. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /add
   
3. Install WindowsDefender.msi.
   
4. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /delete
   

[flyingfiddler]

Fantastic... I was hoping for another 'production' copy from Microsoft with the fix for friends who are not PC literate... but a simple batch file will do.

Many thanks!

Dan

Edited February 15, 2006 by flyingfiddler

[jholce]

I also get the icon that says I need to download KD915597. It downloaded 5 times already. Anyone know how to fix this?