Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed using Microsoft Antispyware.
This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over 50 ways spyware can enter your PC.
The worldwide SpyNet community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, which are automatically downloaded to your PC, so you stay up-to-date.
The user must be an administrator to install this application.
Current Giant AntiSpyware users with active subscriptions are advised to continue to use their existing software.
Windows AntiSpyware may prompt you to remove some peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. If you choose to remove such a program, Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware 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 FilesKazaa. Downloaded files are stored at C:Program FilesKazaaMy Shared Folder. If you use Windows AntiSpyware to remove KaZaA, all files and folders under C:Program FilesKazaa 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 AntiSpyware.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without your knowledge or permission. The information spyware collects can range from all the Web sites you visit to more sensitive information like user names and passwords. You might be the target of spyware if you download music from file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software programs from unknown sources.
Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements, called adware. Some advertisers may covertly install adware on your computer, which adware generates a stream of unsolicited advertisements that can clutter your desktop and affect your productivity.
The advertisements may also contain pornographic or other material that you might find inappropriate. The extra processing required to track you or to display advertisements can tax your computer and hurt your overall system performance.
This is not to say that all software that provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. If you sign up for a free music service and in return for that free service the company offers you targeted advertisements, it might be a fair tradeoff. Likewise, tracking online activities can be useful when displaying customized search content or personalized preferences at an online retailer.
The key is whether or not you (or another user of your computer) have been properly notified of what the software will do and that you have provided consent to have that software installed on your computer. The question at hand, is the software being deceptive in what it does or how it gets onto your computer?
Spyware and unauthorized adware are two examples of "deceptive" software. Deceptive software includes programs that take over your home page or search page without first getting your permission. There are a number of ways deceptive software can get on your system. A common trick is to install covertly the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program.
Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of adware in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
If you set your browser settings to a lower security setting, it may be possible for software to install silently on your system without any warning at all. For example, if you use Internet Explorer as your Web browser, and if you have chosen the lowest security settings, you may be vulnerable to such software.
For better protection, be sure to know the security configuration of your browser and make sure to keep this setting at the medium level or higher. Doing so will help you control what is being installed on your computer.
Have you ever had an experience where you were repeatedly asked to accept a download even after you said "no"? Creators of deceptive software often use such tricks to get you to install their software. If this happens to you, do not click "yes."
Instead, try to close the Web page that first asked you to accept the download by hitting the "X" in the corner of the window. Alternatively, quit your Internet browsing software and restart it to begin browsing the Internet again. If you visit a Web page that continually displays these tricky pop-up windows, that Web site may not be worthy of your trust.
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