Microsoft AntiSpyware

Categories: Spyware removal | Microsoft software | Windows-only software

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware, also known as Windows AntiSpyware, is a piece of software designed to remove, quarantine or prevent a spyware presence on Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It was released in beta form by Microsoft on January 6 2005 with a more recent beta released on June 23 2005 (this beta among other things does not expire at the end of July, which older versions did). Antispyware definitions are released frequently.

Recently, at the RSA conference, Chief Software Architect and founder of Microsoft Bill Gates announced that Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware will be made available free of charge to all validly licensed Windows XP and Windows 2003 users to help secure Windows users world-wide against this ever growing threat within the computer industry.

The program is based on GIANT AntiSpyware originally developed by the GIANT Company, whose acquisition was announced by Microsoft on December 16 2004. While the original GIANT AntiSpyware supported older versions of Windows, support for the Windows 9x operating system was dropped. However, Sunbelt Software, which was originally GIANT's partner, sells a product based in the same technology called Counterspy which still has support for older Microsoft operating systems.

Microsoft will also release a similar utility for anti-virus purposes after acquiring RAV Antivirus technology from GECAD in 2003, which will probably be released in its next version of Windows (named "Vista") and is scheduled for release in first quarter 2006.

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware, not only features scanning of the system similar to other free products on the market, but also include Real Time Security agents that monitor several common areas of Windows for changes which may be caused by spyware. It also includes the ability to easily remove ActiveX applications that are installed, and to delete the histories in almost all Microsoft programs, and a number of other common programs including Acrobat. Also included is a SpyNet™ network, that allows users to communicate with Microsoft, what they consider is spyware, and what are acceptable applications.

Advanced Features

System Explorers

The Advanced Tools section allows users to discover potential vulnerabilities for themselves via a series of "System Explorers". Using these tools, users can browse downloaded ActiveX controls, any running processes or Startup programs, Internet Explorer BHOs, settings or Toolbars, the Windows hosts file, Winsock LSPs or Shell Execute Hooks. In each explorer, every element is rated as either "Known", "Unknown" or "Potentially Unwanted". The first and last categories carry a link to learn more about the particular item, and the second category invites you to submit the program to SpyNet™.

Browser Restore

The Browser Restore Feature allows users to restore all of Internet Explorer's default links back to the default settings.

Erase Tracks

This feature proports to erase the usage history for various Microsoft and third-party applications. The extent to which such items are really erased is not documented.

See also

• Microsoft Anti-Virus

External links

• Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware official site
• Download Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
• How to use Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
• FileMirrors: Do a search for "MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe" and download it from "download.microsoft.com".

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