Microsoft Releases Windows Defender Beta 2

jamesclarke555 · 14-02-2006, 18:36

Quote:

The long awaited beta 2 of Windows Defender, formerly Windows AntiSpyware has now been released.

The new versions sports a new user interface similar to what is found in Windows Vista. The UI has been redesigned to make normal tasks easy, a better warning system and to be less intrusive.

Real time protection and monitoring has been enhanced to monitor more points of weakness in the Windows operating system.

The latest version now supports x64 operating systems and will run on users machines with or without administrator rights, something that was always an issue with Beta 1.

Microsoft's Windows Defender is one of if not the best solution against spyware and adware on Windows machines to date.

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img] Download: Download Windows Defender Beta 2
[img]Download Failed (1)[/img] View: Windows Defender Information

Paul K · 14-02-2006, 18:49

LOL was just gonna post about that
Some other bits to note:

Quote:

Known issues
• Windows Defender (Beta 2) may prompt you to remove some peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs. If you choose to remove such a program, Windows Defender (Beta 2) deletes the entire contents of the Program Files directory that relates to the P2P program. Because some P2P programs store downloaded files in a default directory under Program Files, this might remove all files downloaded through the file-sharing program. For example, KaZaA stores .exe and .dll files at C:\Program Files\Kazaa. Downloaded files are stored at C:\Program Files\Kazaa\My Shared Folder. If you use Windows Defender (Beta 2) to remove KaZaA, all files and folders under C:\Program Files\Kazaa are removed. If you have installed any P2P file-sharing programs, we recommend that you make a backup copy of your downloaded files before running Windows Defender (Beta 2).

• You do not need to remove other antispyware or antivirus programs to run Windows Defender (Beta 2). Other programs or Windows Defender (Beta 2) may prompt you to allow or block an action, but there are no other known incompatibilities with other antispyware or antivirus programs.

• Windows Defender (Beta 2) will uninstall Windows AntiSpyware.

Theodoric · 20-02-2006, 19:11

I notice that you say "real time protection" and that the MS site says:

When you install Windows Defender (Beta 2), you can immediately scan for spyware and other unwanted software that might be installed on your computer. You can schedule scans and choose to have harmful items removed or quarantined automatically. If potentially harmful software tries to run or install itself on your computer, Windows Defender (Beta 2) notifies you and helps you choose how to take action. And you can receive the latest spyware updates automatically.

Can I take it that Windows Defender does not do anything automatically to your PC without giving you the chance to say, "Don't."

Paul K · 21-02-2006, 18:24

As far as I know you get a pop up asking you for a yes/ no answer.

Theodoric · 21-02-2006, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

As far as I know you get a pop up asking you for a yes/ no answer.

Thanks. It was just that I was reading that a recent definitions list was seriously in error and was telling people to get rid of parts of Norton. Actually, would this be a bad idea?

Ramrod · 21-02-2006, 21:51

So, is it worth trying this?

MadGamer · 21-02-2006, 22:01

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Originally Posted by Ramrod

So, is it worth trying this?

Im guessing you have Norton so.... NO! hehe

Ramrod · 21-02-2006, 22:07

Norton? Pah! I spit in it's general direction!

dilli-theclaw · 21-02-2006, 22:08

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Originally Posted by Ramrod

So, is it worth trying this?

Well I've got it on all my machines (except buxom woman's) and it's ok. Even with norton.

BUT - it IS a beta so only YOU can make that choice

21-02-2006, 22:20

I have used Norton for years on several machines and I have not had any problems.

kronas · 21-02-2006, 23:23

you need service pack 2 for it to install, bah humbug!

jamesclarke555 · 21-02-2006, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronas

you need service pack 2 for it to install, bah humbug!

Seeing as there's no reason why you shouldn't already be running SP2, I don't see the problem

After having had the Beta 2 for a week now, I think it's a good improvement over Beta 1. Cleaner UI, Runs as a service and isn't programmed in crappy visual basic.

Ramrod · 22-02-2006, 09:41

But is it any good?

dilli-theclaw · 22-02-2006, 10:35

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Originally Posted by Ramrod

But is it any good?

It seems ok. But I can't really say it's brilliant/crap untill it picks something up or lets something through.

MadGamer · 22-02-2006, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesclarke555

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronas

you need service pack 2 for it to install, bah humbug!

Seeing as there's no reason why you shouldn't already be running SP2, I don't see the problem

After having had the Beta 2 for a week now, I think it's a good improvement over Beta 1. Cleaner UI, Runs as a service and isn't programmed in crappy visual basic.

IIRC, it mucked his Windows install up.