Microsoft Releases Anti-Spyware Beta 1 To Public Today.

Microsoft.com ^

[Next_Time_NJ]

Microsoft releases its Beta 1 version of its new Anti-Spyware software. It blocks over 50 ways for spyware to enter your computer. I have downloaded it and checked it out. It’s very upfront and to the point. I have some REALLY nasty test programs and it stops everything I can find in its tracks.

One of the very cool parts of this software is that it will kill spyware that is currently memory resident. Most spyware software will require a reboot and then rescan at system start up.

Firefox/Mozilla had an issue downloading it, so just use IE for the install. You don’t need IE to take advantage of the program once it's installed; it’s in your tray.

When trying to download the software it will check for a pirated copy of windows. If you are "unsure" if your version of windows is legit - STAY AWAY from loading the active X mod that it will install.

Other then that, it’s a nice piece of software.

[Psycho_Bunny]

We in the computer industry use things called 'labs' for beta software.

Actually, "we" use labs for Alpha software.

Beta's are for the computer-educated public.

[Psycho_Bunny]

Or better yet, buy an Apple. No spyware, no viruses, no Windows bugs. Just clean living.
So I can tell the folks in my Graphics Department, who are calling all the time about lock-ups and crashes on their G4s and G5s, "You're imagining it.  It's not possible on an Apple.  The internet says so."?

 

 

[Beckwith]

Two words, when co-joined represent the kiss of death: Microsoft and Beta.

[Beckwith]

Two words, when co-joined represent the kiss of death: Microsoft and Beta.

[HairOfTheDog]

Thanks.... I just downloaded this and have begun the scan. I don't think I have spyware or adware now, but we'll see. I've always been hesitant about the freeware Spy and Ad bot programs, I am just careful, though I've had things show up before, like ~gator~

Cindy and Tuffy - you two may want to try this. You shouldn't be getting popups on FR.

[ShadowAce]

Microsoft spyware ping!

[HairOfTheDog]

Microsoft is such a joke.

Wouldn't we all love to have invented such a joke.

[HairOfTheDog]

Anytime anyone goes to the windows update site it checks for the legitimacy of the windows installation. This is nothing new.

Nor is it unreasonable for MS to not want to support people with stolen copies of their work. Thieves aren't really paranoid, everyone is always out to stop them ;~D

[Labyrinthos]

Looks like I'll be sticking to Spybot and Ad-Aware. Neither of them is as bloated or as picky about hardware.

Spybot S & D and Adaware don't prevent spyware/adware/malware from loading in the first place. They only remove the crap once its infected your system.

[js1138]

Working as designed, no doubt. "DOS ain't done til Lotus won't run."

Lotus ran itself into the ground with anti-piracy/anti-copy measures.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Came across this at the Gibson Spinrite Site:

A Fantastic Independent Review of Anti-Spyware Tools

*********************************************

The tests documented on these pages are intended to partially remedy these several problems with our knowledge of anti-spyware scanners and how well they perform. At present, there are three groups of tests documented here.

[Labyrinthos]

Spyware is not only browser based. Obviously.. you can get it when its attached to software that you install.

That's obvious to you and me, but try to explain that to the anti-MS, Firefox cool-aid drinkers. This past Monday, I spent hours purging spyware/adware from a friend's computer, which she brought in early December. She can't figure out where it all came from because she uses Firefox. Almost everything I took off came from programs that she installed such as TurboTax, Kaaza, AOL Instant Messenger, etc.

[backhoe]

Thanks- I've seen that but didn't save the link- saved now.

[zeugma]

I can point you in the direction of a website that would install software on your computer when your using firefox, without you knowing.

I'll bite. Name it. Do your worst.

[Doohickey]

It's not too bad, since this is a result of MS buying Giant. The services and executables are actually still Giant branded. You ought to give it a shot; it found a couple of things on my home PC that AdAware missed.

[zeugma]

Browse around grc.com (Gibson Research) and you'll find tests that will poke holes in any browser.I use Firefox and have tried them and when not running a firewall, Firefox hasn't been able to stop grc.com from obtaining plenty of info on my browser.

I think that's a completely different thing. There is really nothing you can do about some of the information a server can retrieve from your hitting it. They will always know what your IP is unless you are surfing behind a system that obfuscates it. (i.e., anonymizing services, or some portals/proxies and the like) You can always change your init strings that your browser passes identifying itself, and so give sites bogus information. I'd be interested in knowing what of this information you find troubling that you can't block.

[Next_Time_NJ]

Check out post 60. The link is there.

[Doohickey]

It's optional, so don't get your panties in a wad.

[PAR35]

Spybot S & D and Adaware don't prevent spyware/adware/malware from loading in the first place. They only remove the crap once its infected your system.

That's why I use Firefox or Mozilla for my browsing. But, as I said, it doesn't matter since Microsoft doesn't make a version which will run on either my machine or my OS (Win9x)

[zeugma]

Nope. Try again. All that did was make my browser take 450MB of ram. I closed the tab, and things were back to normal. Got anything else?