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• January 6, 2005 •

Microsoft Releases Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

Windows AntiSpyware As part of its ongoing efforts to address current and emerging security threats to computer users, Microsoft today announced two new technology solutions that will provide added protection against spyware and malicious software. Customers now can download the first beta version of Microsoft® Windows® AntiSpyware, a solution that will help protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. In addition, the Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool, which complements traditional antivirus technologies by removing prevalent viruses and worms from a PC, will be available beginning January 11, 2005. These solutions build on the advanced security technologies and proactive protection features of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), which help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks.

Microsoft Updates Windows AntiSpyware Beta

This week, Microsoft updated their Windows AntiSpyware, which now carries the build number 1.0.701. This latest beta refresh extends the Windows AntiSpyware beta expiration date to July 31, 2006 and provides new signature updates to help protect against recently identified spyware.

Existing users of the beta (Builds 1.0.501, 1.0.509, 1.0.613, and 1.0.615) will receive a software update that includes the new beta refresh.

Note: The current beta is intended only for English language versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It should not be deployed on non-English versions.

For more information, see the Release Notes to learn more about known issues with Windows AntiSpyware.

You can download the new version from the Microsoft Download [6.58 MB] Web site.

"Customers have told us that they need solutions that make it easier to keep computers protected from emerging and ever-changing threats," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft. "The solutions we're announcing today will offer customers additional resources to help to protect their PCs against spyware and viruses on an ongoing and predictable basis."

Based on technology acquired from GIANT Company Software Inc. in December 2004, the beta release of Windows AntiSpyware will help reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings and unauthorized use of private information. It is available for Microsoft Windows 2000 and later versions.

Windows AntiSpyware enables customers to do the following:

  • Detect and remove spyware. Known spyware can be quickly and easily removed from a PC.
  • Improve Internet browsing safety. Continuous protection guards more than 50 ways Web sites and programs can put spyware on a PC.
  • Stop the latest threats. Signatures for new spyware identified by the SpyNet (TM) community and Microsoft researchers can be automatically downloaded to a PC, helping to stop new threats quickly.

System Requirements

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
  • A 300 MHz or faster processor with at least 64 MB of RAM
  • Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server™ 2003
  • At least 10 MB of available free space on your hard disk
  • Internet access with at least a 28.8 Kbps connection to use SpyNet™

More information can be found by visiting the Microsoft Security at Home Web site, or by reading the AntiSpyware FAQ.

Important Information

This is pre-release (beta) software distributed for feedback and testing purposes. Microsoft does not provide technical support for beta releases. If Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is causing an issue with your system, Microsoft recommends removing it by using Add or Remove Programs and even using System Restore if the problem persists.

Screenshots:

If you need help fighting Spyware, we have a section devoted to computer security, viruses and Spyware on our WindowsBBS.com Support forum.

Also Read: Microsoft: Windows AntiSpyware to Remain Free

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Last Updated: November 23, 2005