Even all of these security measures in place ,there is still a chance for things to take an ugly turn for the worst. Windows Defender will help to protect against malware infection,malicious downloads,popups,slow performances and a variety of other internet-borne threats. To help avoid virus and malware infection, it is important to take care with all the online activities.Spyware as we all know is a program that is installed on a PC without the users agreement and is directed at collecting personal/sensitive classified informations about a user or the computer. So an anti spyware is a program that blocks malicious programs from fulfilling their intensions and Windows Defender is an anti spyware and is more capable. Many people use anti-spyware in combination so as to add multiple layers of security. But should a conflict resides, it is recommended to use only one solution at a time.
Unwanted software can be installed by websites, downloaded programs, or a program you might install from a CD, DVD, external hard disk, or a device. Spyware is most commonly installed through free software, such as file sharing, screen savers, or search toolbars ,some spyware can be installed from a website through an embedded script, or program in a webpage. Some unwanted software requires your help to install through web pop-ups or free software that require you to accept a downloadable file. However, if you keep Windows up to date and don’t reduce your security settings, you can minimize the chances of a spyware infection. Some websites will repeatedly display pop-ups asking you to install a toolbar or change your home page. When this happens, try closing the browser window.
If the pop-ups still appear, right-click the Internet Explorer button in the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, and then click Close Group. As a last resort, close any other programs you have open, and then restart your computer. When you visit websites, do not automatically agree to download anything the site offers. If you download free software, such as file sharing programs or screen savers, read the license agreement carefully. Look for clauses where you must accept advertising and pop-ups from the company, or that the software will send certain information back to the software publisher.
Microsoft periodically releases security updates to help prevent spyware from being installed without your knowledge. Most new antivirus programs have spyware protection, and should be kept up to date as well. We recommend that you turn on Automatic Updates for Windows, and that you update your spyware and antivirus programs regularly.When you visit websites, do not automatically agree to download anything the site offers. If you download free software, such as file sharing programs or screen savers, read the license agreement carefully.
Look for clauses where you must accept advertising and pop-ups from the company, or that the software will send certain information back to the software publisher.Programs such as Windows Defender can help prevent malicious software, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software or adware from installing itself or running on your computer. Many programs, including Windows Defender, can also scan your system automatically to find and remove spyware that might already be installed.
Windows Defender is included with all versions of Windows Vista and is available to download for genuine copies of Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.earn more using Windows Defender, watch this demo.Microsoft release their very first free antispyware product-Windows Antispyware in December 2004. This was later renamed to Windows Defender and is now available as such. To download this you need definitely a genuine copy of Windows as this download comes under Genuine Windows Advantage downloads from Microsoft in which yours copy of Windows is verified online for its genuineness.
Windows Defender is included with all versions of Windows Vista and is available to download for genuine copies of Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.Windows Defender is memory resident. Achieve formats such as ZIP are silently scanned and stopped before a spyware can be installed. It works in conjunction with yours Internet Explorer also it protects yours dial up connections and internet connectivity from unwanted and disconnections and also it stabilizes yours internet connections especially in slow dial-up connections. Automatic updates keeps the Windows Defender up to date by downloading the latest spyware definitions from Microsoft’s Web site.Reports of fake Antivirus programs have become more prevalent lately.Learn how to protect yourself from these new threats.
During the installation ,it will ask you whether you would like to use the system’s default setting (it is recommended) for SpyNet participation or choose other options. Being a Microsoft product its interface blended well with Windows. A toolbar at the top is used as the primary interface with Forward and Back buttons and buttons for Home,Scan,History and so on.Clicking on the Tools button, lets you set variety of options such as “Allowed items” , the last option which is Software Explorer lets you view processes ,start up items,networks connected programs,Currently running programs and gives much more information than the Task Manager offers.(Screenshot-Software Explorer)
In Windows Defender go to Tools > Options > “Choose Windows Defender should notify about” > tick “software that has not been classified as risks” and “ changes made to your computer by yours software that is permitted to run ”. By doing this Windows Defender will warn you about new auto start up entries and thus in a way becomes on access auto start up manager .
Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it’s detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive.Learn more about the strategy Microsoft uses to identify spyware and other unwanted software.
The benefits of installing Windows Defender include:
Spyware detection and removal ……………….
Windows Defender quickly and easily finds spyware and other unwanted programs that can slow down your computer, display annoying pop-up ads, change Internet settings, or use your private information without your consent. Windows Defender eliminates detected spyware easily at your direction, and if you inadvertently remove programs that you actually want, it’s easy to get them back. \
Windows Defender allows you to schedule your scanning and removal times when it’s convenient for you, whether it’s on-demand or on a schedule that you set.Improved Internet browsing safety Windows Defender helps stop spyware before it infiltrates your computer. Windows Defender also offers a continuous safeguard designed to target all the ways that spyware can infiltrate your computer.
Windows Defender works without distracting you. It runs in the background and automatically handles spyware based on preferences that you set. You can use your computer with minimal interruption.A dedicated team of Microsoft researchers continuously searches the Internet to discover new spyware and develop methods to counteract it. A voluntary, worldwide network of Windows Defender users helps Microsoft determine which suspicious programs to classify as spyware.
Participants help discover new threats quickly and notify Microsoft analysts, so that everyone is better protected. Anyone who uses Windows Defender can join this network and help report potential spyware to Microsoft. To help protect your computer from the latest threats, you can choose to have updates that counteract new spyware automatically downloaded to your computer.
How to install and set up Windows Defender:
WGA enforcement – There are significant risks to running non-genuine Windows. Only genuine Windows customers can receive product downloads, Windows updates and special offers. Windows Defender will validate that your copy of Windows is genuine before installation. Furthermore, Windows Defender will only remove Severe threats for machines that are not genuine.
Low, Medium and High threats will be detected, but not removed unless your copy of Windows is genuine.For more information, please visit The Windows Genuine Advantage.Windows Defender no longer supports Windows 2000 as it went out of mainstream support in June 2005.
Download Windows Defender, install it on your Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 computer, and configure your basic program settings. You can check your system requirements before you begin. If you are using Windows Vista, you already have Windows Defender.
How to scan your computer for spyware After you have installed and set up Windows Defender, it’s time to run your first spyware scan. Windows Defender will identify programs that seem suspicious and give you the option to delete them, quarantine them, or leave them alone. (Screenshot-scanning).Fake security softwares prevalent lately Learn how to protect yourself from these new threats.
False Positive Report form for software vendors:
If you believe that Windows Defender has mistaken your program for another program, fill out and submit this False Positive Report form. For the fastest response, please submit your request in English.
How to upgrade to Windows Defender
Find out if you need to upgrade to Windows Defender to help keep spyware and other unwanted software out of your computer. Download the latest version if you don’t have it already. Please visit again for Install the latest Windows Defender definition updates , manual download and install article.