Windows Defender in Vista offers built-in spyware protection
Takeaway:
Windows Defender became available to the public in October 2006 as a
download for Windows XP and 2003. Now it’s built into Windows Vista. IT
pro Deb Shinder offers this look at the Vista Defender interface, the
three types of spyware scans, configuration options, and the SpyNet
community.
Spyware is acknowledged by most IT professionals as one of
the biggest problems facing both consumer and business computer users. Spyware
is a type of malicious software that is installed usually without the knowledge
or permission of the user and then collects information from the computer that
it may send back to its maker.
Many varieties of spyware collect information such as Web sites
visited, for advertising purposes. But other types are more malevolent and
steal users’ passwords, credit card, or bank account numbers or even log
keystrokes and capture screenshots of what users do on the computer. Some
spyware programs also display unwanted advertising, and spyware is often
responsible for computer performance slowdowns.
Some jurisdictions have passed laws making certain types of
spyware illegal; however, enforcement can be difficult. To control the problem,
you need a technological solution. A number of third party anti-spyware
programs are available. Early last year, Microsoft released its free anti-spyware
program, Windows Defender, to beta testing. The product was made available to
the public in October 2006 as a download for Windows XP and 2003. Windows
Defender is built into Windows Vista, making it more convenient than ever for
users to defend against this insidious type of malware.
The SpyNet community
SpyNet is an online community in
which you can participate (but are not required to) when you use Windows
Defender. You join the SpyNet community via the
Microsoft SpyNet selection in Tools | Settings. There
are two participation options:
You can join with a basic membership, in which
case Defender will send basic information to Microsoft about the software it
detects and what actions you apply.
You can join with an advanced membership, in
which case you get an alert when Defender detects any software that hasn’t been
analyzed for risk (or changes made by such software). Defender also sends more
information to Microsoft about detected software. This includes where the
software was located on your hard disk, filenames, and how the software has
affected your computer.
Summary
With Vista, you don’t have to buy third-party software to
scan for and remove spyware (although some people will want the added features
of commercial anti-spyware programs). Windows Defender, which is included with
the operating system, can be used alone or in conjunction with other
anti-spyware programs to help keep your computer safe.
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