A newer version of Microsoft Windows Defender is available.
Features
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Popularity:
#2 in Privacy (out of 45 products)
- Editor's Rating:
- Average User Rating:
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Downloads:
3,405,476
- Requirements:
Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server
- Limitations:
No limitations
- Date Added:
February 14, 2006
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Previous Versions:
Publisher's description of Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
From Microsoft:Windows Defender beta 2 is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
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.
Specific features of Windows Defender beta 2 include a redesigned and simplified user interface, improved detection and removal, protection for all users, support for 64-bit platforms, accessibility, and localization
This product is free of charge for licensed Windows customers. Users of 64-bit platforms should use WindowsDefenderX64.msi (7.9MB).
Editor's review of Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
4.0 stars
- "PC protection"
Read a full CNET review of Windows Defender.
With its full set of features and solid spyware-removal functionality, the Windows Defender utility makes a good choice for keeping your computer clean. Along with a variety of scan options, Defender includes a scheduler, active protection, and a useful set of advanced features. Spyware scan times are reasonably fast and seem thorough. After installation, a configuration wizard greets users, taking them step-by-step through running a scan and setting up a schedule. Novices may get a bit lost in the interface--it includes three large buttons for navigation but could use a home button to take users back to the Summary screen. Controls in the interface, such as menus and scroll bars, don't behave as well as controls in other Microsoft applications. Advanced tools include a privacy eraser, a file analyzer, and a system explorer, which lets you look at and install browser toolbars, among other things. The scheduler is particularly nice, letting you, for example, set a deep scan to run every night. Besides a few interface issues, Windows Defender is an exceptional spyware remover.
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User reviews of Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
- Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 1182 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 170 user reviewsSee all 170 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
95 out of 107 people found this review helpful
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
"An all around nice spyware application"
Pros: -good interface
-simple, and easy to use
-doesn't take up a lot of memory
-updates quicly
Cons: -I'm not really sure if this program has as good detection capabilites as Ad-aware or Spybot SD...they both detected objects after scans, even though this one didn't...
Bottom line: get this program for the real time protection features and the virus detection, but also get Ad-aware and Spybot SD
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71 out of 81 people found this review helpful
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
Pros: Dont get me wrong..spyware needs to be dealt with and it is GOOD Microsoft is stepping up to the plate... It is fast at scanning your system.
Cons: I used MS ANTISPYWARE it was great...but this "new" version now handles things differntly. It now has 2 more running processes going on in your computer with high memory pulls! (even with the 'on time scanning' off). Also the updates are automatically with no way to do them manually (I hate automatic, calls- 'home' programs).
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58 out of 74 people found this review helpful
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
Pros: i gave the beta 1 five stars because that was good this one sucks. and i want to go back.
Cons: they got rid of a lot of extra features that were in the beta 1 that were useful to use. its to simple theres nothing but a scan button basically. theres no taskicon which i dont like cause i like have a reminder that its running. and even after u shut it down the process is still running.if u end its process in the task manager windows defender wont load, and then its useless. also there is no easy way to check for updates with out automatic updates on.
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58 out of 72 people found this review helpful
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
Pros: 1. Nice clean interface
2. Easy to use
3. Less memory usage than previous version (about 8,000 kb)
4. Quick, but effective scans and removals
5. Up-to-date definitions
Cons: !!!First of all I would like to say that if you couldn't even get the program installed, you don't need to write a review on the program. Please just don't write it sucks either because no one knows what sucks, and don't write it's good, because no one will know what is good.!!!
1. No icon in the taskbar for quick access
2. No icon anywhere really, had to go to program files and make a shortcut and paste it everywhere I wanted it.
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23 out of 29 people found this review helpful
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2
Pros: Its free.Joining spynet means you are directly helping in the fight against spyware.It looks ok.
Cons: No where near as comprehensive a piece of kit as Beta 1.Wheres the taskbar icon for easy access and to show the app is actually running?I think its worth giving a go but run other spyware detectors too would be my advice.
- See all 170 user reviews Write review
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