First Impressions: Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta
Thursday / 06 January 05
The Beta version of Microsoft AntiSpyware has been released. Naturally, I was curious and decided to try it out and share my first impressions with you.
Interface
Upon starting the software you’ll immediately notice this wasn’t the work of Microsoft themselves — they acquired Giant to do it. Nonetheless, this piece of software has a very nice interface blending into Windows XP very nicely. In fact, I dare to say I like it as much as I like Picasa.
Spyware Detection
To my utter surprise this beta version prompted me with eight spyware threats and a whole lot more infected files. That’s eight threats not identified by AdAware or Spybot. I smiled when I noticed Microsoft AntiSpyware did manage to pick up remaining bits and pieces of my violent attempt to hack the annoying CoolWebSearch out of my system — now it looks like it’s completely gone. Another surprise is that among those threats was one called “BackWeb”, which apparentely is common for software vendors to include.
Configuration
Microsoft AntiSpyware goes a lot further than just detection and handling. It is capable of real-time protection in over 50 checkpoints, as well as auto-updates through the SpyNet community.
Last but not least, it allows the knowledgable user to explore important parts of the system in a more usable way than the registry editor.
Screenshots & More Information
Download: Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta
Screenshot: 8 Detected Threats
Note: This is BETA software. Use at your own risk!
1Ron posted:
06 January 05, 12:10:11 PM
Thanx for the tip! I've tried it myself, and the program found spyware after Ad-aware, Spybot S&D and Spy Sweeper had scanned the system...