Comments on: Microsoft launches anti-spyware beta

Company unveils first version of a spyware-killing application based on technology from recently acquired Giant Software.
Images: Microsoft's anti-spyware beta

[metric152]

impressive

I tried using the program this morning and it found 3 pieces of spyware that other programs missed. With the new pop-up blocking in IE and their new spyware program windows should become safer on the internet. I've still moved to Firefox because IE is lacking features other browsers support and I don't feel like using a 3rd party IE shell program.

For those who are still using IE I would highly recommend their new spyware program.

[Steve000]

Validation?

I decided to download the spyware to a Win98 machine only to be asked to first Validate my version of Windows.
"Before obtaining the requested download, please take a moment to validate your genuine Microsoft Windows installation. Validation assures that you are running an authentic and fully-licensed copy of Windows."
So I jump through that hoop and am then allowed to begin my download.
After my download I am told that the Spyware Tool is only for Win 2000 and XP and will not work on my version.
I would think this might be a detail that would be caught in the validation process prior to wasting my time downloading.

[Stating]

re: Validation

You are right about the product validation, the product asked me to verify I had genuine XP. Microsoft started slipping this in a while ago when attempting to download their updates -- which are mostly security patches!

The irony is that compromised Windows systems, whether they are licensed or not, hurt everyone. How many compromised MS systems that have been hijacked are turned against MS itself to launch denial of service attacks? How many computers in China, India, etc. are running LICENSED versions of Windows? So Microsoft, in their own best interest - if they truly had a big-picture view, would offer security tools for free to all Windows users instead of trying to profit from product deficiencies.


Keith, www.techcando.com

[Stating]

First Impressions

Things I found after trying the beta:

1) Some incompatability with ZoneAlarm. Had to launch program manually.

2)Programs sucks up some processor cycles. Over time, after layering on a firewall, antivirus, ad-blocker, spyware detector all in real-time you will need to think about a hardware $upgrade. For now, I turned off the beta real-time activity and will just do manual scans.

3) The program flagged VNC as spyware, which it really is not.

4)Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use other spyware detect programs as well -- many will at least do the scans for free, and you can remove the offendors manually. No single spyware detector seems to find everything.

5) Given that MS has such a poor record of addressing security problems with their products, I will continue to pay for protection from 3rd party vendors. Use MS protection products only if they are free, but don't nake them your primary protection tools.


Keith, www.techcando.com

[hion2000]

Good points.

Spyware is a problem caused by Microsoft's lack of competence. This program wouldn't have been needed at all, if Microsoft could code programs that didn't have MAJOR flaws that would expose the entire system to hijackers. I understand that no program is without its flaws, but when you look at Microsoft's track record, one questions the quality of not only the Windows operating system, but the anti-spyware itself

[Al Johnsons]

security problems

http://www.analogstereo.com/chrysler_pacifica_owners_manual.htm

[anthonycea]

New OS needed, not more anti-spyware!

Microsoft should just give up making Windows and start from scratch. They will not support the community with a sound OS, so anti-spyware technology is the answer?

There are sound anti-spyware programs available for free download now.

http://searchwars.squarespace.com/free-software-downloads/

Is this just another profit center for them like their forced upgrades to the flawed SP2 update?

[Jonathan]

No a new browser is needed....Which is already here.

Every person's computer I've installed FireFox on has been adware free since that time. With one exception. I installed Java on someone's system and apparently a site has started using java as a install method. The user clicked yes when it prompted do you want to run this applet.
A new OS does nothing if you have dumb users. Even on OS X if a virus prompts for a root pasword and they provide it.....the OS means nothing without at least basic computer practices. User do not understand that a computer is not a toaster. You don't simply plug it in and go. Its more like a car. It needs tuneups and you need to know how to drive it safely. I wouldn't at all be suprised if in the future there WILL be required courses in school to teach saft computing habits.

[Jonathan]

Ahh you are talking about FireFox.

Seriously people who don't even give Firefox a try deserve all the headaches they get with adware.

[PCCRomeo]

It needs to remain a standalone product...

If this thing is imbedded into Windows the same thing will happen to it as Internet Explorer. It needs to remain something that only Microsoft knows what is under its hood. Don't screw this up too Microsoft.

[saleen351]

FireFox and Coolwebsearch...

First off I think MS's program is great, however if Mac has that headless Mac next week, I could give a damm about any of this, because I'm trading in for a Mac.

But since using FF, I HAVE NO SPYWARE OR ADWARE!!!

However from my days of being an idiot of using IE I had coolwebsearch and that focker is still floating around on my pc. Spybot, adware, MS's prgram and even coolweb shredder can't seem to get rid of it. My MS program keeps quarentineing it, even though I try to remove it.

Oh, and if you don't use FF, you are asking for trouble...