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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Rueful Rogue

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As pointed out, Microsoft moved quickly into the anti-spyware space at the end of 2004. The company acquired GIANT Company Software (announced Dec 16, 2004) and soon repackaged that technology as a free beta called Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware in early January 2005. (news.microsoft.com)

The public beta was designed to detect and remove known spyware, deliver signature updates, and use a community telemetry service (SpyNet) to help classify new threats. Early builds targeted Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, and the project was later developed into what became Windows Defender. (news.microsoft.com)

Given 's skepticism about Microsoft adding another security product, a few practical facts matter: betas can have rough edges, and security tools that run real-time scanning sometimes clash with existing antivirus/firewall suites. Running more than one real-time anti-malware engine is not recommended; Windows/Defender behavior and Microsoft guidance reflect that conflict risk. If testing the beta, accept it as a trial and be ready to back out if it destabilizes the system. (eweek.com)

Quick checklist to try the beta safely: create a full backup or restore point first; uninstall or fully disable other real-time AV/antispyware (use vendor removal tools when available); install the beta and watch CPU, network, and update behavior; if anything breaks, uninstall and restore. If stability and minimal fuss are priorities, waiting for a final release or community reports is the prudent choice. (learn.microsoft.com)

Member Avatar for Rueful Rogue

Go figure! Here's a company that can't get their own O/S secure and has to keep writing patches and updates, and now they want to get into the spyware business? I guess I'll keep an open mind, but since the freeware is working so great on my PC with Norton's products (AV & FW), I probably won't be one of those who trys it. I'll wait for the feedback.

The beta version will only be for Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP. You can get more info on this at

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