How to obtain Windows Defender (Beta 2) (892279)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-based Systems
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition (Itanium)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition (Itanium) 2003
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2002
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Windows Defender (Beta 2)

Beta Information

This article discusses a Beta release of a Microsoft product. The information in this article is provided as-is and is subject to change without notice.

No formal product support is available from Microsoft for this Beta product. For information about how to obtain support for a Beta release, see the documentation that is included with the Beta product files, or check the Web location where you downloaded the release.

SUMMARY

Microsoft has released a beta version of Windows Defender (Beta 2). This beta release is built from technology that was acquired from Giant Company Software. You can use Windows Defender (Beta 2)to help detect and remove unwanted software, to help prevent its installation, and to help you see what software is running on any computer that is running Windows Defender (Beta 2). Together with security technologies in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 that help improve the security of browsing, Windows Defender (Beta 2) will help protect customers on the Internet.

INTRODUCTION

Spyware defined

Spyware is malicious software that threatens the security and privacy of computer users. Our customers tell us that they look to Microsoft for powerful solutions to address this serious and growing problem.

Through deceit and trickery, spyware and other potentially unwanted software are installed on a computer without a person's knowledge or consent. This type of software ranges from unwanted pop-up ads to programs that can record keystrokes or take over a computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can slow computer performance, can change a computer's configuration, and can reveal passwords and personal information.

The problem is widespread. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software are found on 67 to 80 percent of consumers' computers, according to 2004 research by IDC and National Cyber Security Alliance. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software cause more than one-third of the program crashes that are reported to Microsoft.

For more information about Windows Defender (Beta 2) and about the spyware issue, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software

Requirements for running Windows Defender (Beta 2)

Windows Defender (Beta 2) currently is available only in English, Japanese and German. You should not install Windows Defender (Beta 2) on computers that are running operating systems in other languages.

The minimum system requirements for Windows Defender (Beta 2) are the following:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or a later version
  • An Intel Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) or higher processor, Pentium III recommended
  • At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or a later version, or Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 or a later version, or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or a later version
  • 20 MB of available hard disk space
  • Internet access with a connection speed of at least 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps)
Note On Windows 2000-based computers, you may have to upgrade the GDI+ version. For more information about GDI+ version requirements for Windows 2000-based computers, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

915052 Error message when you try to install Windows Defender (Beta 2) on a Windows 2000-based computer: "This software requires GDI+ Please load the Windows 2000 Security Software Prerequisite Pack"

Additionally, we recommend that you install the latest service packs and critical updates on your computer before you install Windows Defender (Beta 2). To obtain the latest service packs and critical updates for your computer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

How to obtain Windows Defender (Beta 2)

The public beta release of Windows Defender (Beta 2)is available for download at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software

Important note to current users of Giant AntiSpyware If you are a current Giant AntiSpyware user and if you have an active subscription, your paid subscription includes functionality and support features that are not included in the Windows Defender (Beta 2) software. Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep your existing product and to not install the Windows Defender (Beta 2) software. For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/about/currentcustomers.mspx

If your subscription to Giant AntiSpyware has expired and if you want to download the Windows Defender (Beta 2)software, you must first remove any earlier versions of Giant AntiSpyware. To review the removal procedure, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/about/currentcustomers.mspx

Technical support for Windows Defender (Beta 2)

During the beta period for Windows Defender, technical support will be limited to the following set of Microsoft newsgroups:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.private.security.spyware.announcements

Important This is prerelease (beta) software that is distributed for feedback and testing purposes. Microsoft does not provide technical support for beta products. If Windows Defender (Beta 2) is causing an issue with your system, we recommend that you remove it. To do this, use Add or Remove Programs. If the issue persists, use System Restore.

Length of use for Windows Defender (Beta 2)

Windows Defender (Beta 2) is designed to run for a limited number of days. After you install the software, note the expiration date in the Message Center section of the main Windows Defender (Beta 2) window. Currently, the beta period is scheduled to conclude either on Decmember, 2006, or at final release of the product, whichever comes first. At that time, you will be prompted to remove Windows Defender (Beta 2) from your computer. This limited period of use is a standard feature of beta releases and ensures the long-term use of only fully supported software.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about how to use Windows Defender (Beta 2), visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software

Alternatively, see the Help menu at the top of the main Windows Defender (Beta 2) window.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/12/2006
Keywords:kbPubTypeKC kbhowto KB892279
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