Windows Defender is the name of the next version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware. It includes several enhancements that are based on customer input. Changes include, but are not limited to: Improved detection and removal. Windows Defender can detect and remove more threats posed by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Real-Time Protection, which helps prevent unwanted software from being installed, is enhanced to better monitor key points in the operating system for changes.

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) was the name of a previous version of Windows Defender (Beta 2).

No. There are many different security technologies available from Microsoft. To find out more about antispyware and antivirus technologies and their capabilities, see Windows Defender compared to other Microsoft antispyware and antivirus technologies.

Windows Defender is a security technology that helps protect you from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information.

Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a security technology that helps protect Windows you from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information.

Operating system: Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later. Note: Windows Defender (Beta 2) does not run on the Microsoft Windows Me, Microsoft Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows NT operating systems. Yes.

Exit Windows Defender (Beta 2). (Click the arrow next to the help icon and point to Exit Windows Defender).

Windows AntiSpyware is software that's designed to protect consumer PCs against, of course, spyware. It's based on technology Microsoft acquired from Giant. Windows AntiSpyware has been available in beta test version since January, and the company is expected to deliver a final version in 2006. Microsoft has said the tool will be free.

When you install Windows Defender, you can immediately scan for spyware and other unwanted software that might be installed on your computer. You can schedule scans and choose to have harmful items removed or quarantined automatically. If potentially harmful software tries to run or install itself on your computer, Windows Defender notifies you and helps you choose how to take action. And you can receive the latest spyware updates automatically.

Operating system: Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later. Note: Windows Defender does not run on the Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Me, Microsoft Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows NT operating systems.

If you installed Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) prior to the release of Windows Defender, you will receive a software notification when a new version is available. To download a copy, go to Microsoft Download Center.

In Windows Defender, click the drop-down menu next to the Help icon, and then click About Windows Defender. The version number appears in the dialog box that opens.

Yes. You will be required to verify that you are using genuine Windows through a quick and easy online process called validation. Get more information about the Windows Genuine Advantage program.

You can call product support services. Windows Defender comes with two free support incidents, which means you can call Microsoft Help and Support twice at no charge. For more information, see Microsoft Help and Support: Phone Support. Alternatively, Microsoft has set up a newsgroup forum to help answer your questions. Please visit the Windows Defender newsgroup for support.

Anyone who uses Windows Defender can join a worldwide network of users who help discover and report new threats. Microsoft analysts review these reports and develop new software definitions to guard against the new threats, so that everyone is better protected.

Windows 2000 is currently in beta test. The technical beta program is closed and is not accepting additional requests at this time. The Windows 2000 beta is not generally available at present for free. If you want this beta, there are five approaches you can consider taking:- Send email to betareq@microsoft.com The Technical beta is closed, and email to this account is unlikely to get you onto the beta. If you do send email, remember you need to justify why MS should send you the beta.

When you install Windows Defender (Beta 2), you can immediately scan for spyware and other unwanted software that might be installed on your computer. You can schedule scans and choose to have harmful items removed or quarantined automatically. If potentially harmful software tries to run or install itself on your computer, Windows Defender (Beta 2) notifies you and helps you choose how to take action. And you can receive the latest spyware updates automatically.

If you installed Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) prior to the release of Windows Defender (Beta 2), you will receive a software notification when a new version is available. To download a copy, go to Microsoft Download Center.

In Windows Defender (Beta 2), click the drop-down menu next to the Help icon, and then click About Windows Defender. The version number appears in the dialog box that opens.

Yes. You will be required to verify that you are using genuine Windows through a quick and easy online process called validation. Get more information about the Windows Genuine Advantage program.

Windows Defender (Beta 2) displays detailed information about every spyware program detected, which includes a description of the threat, where it is located on your computer, a risk rating, and a recommended action to take. This information allows you to make informed decisions about removal. You can either remove spyware permanently or temporarily disable it using Spyware Quarantine.

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later.

Microsoft has set up a newsgroup forum to help answer your questions. Please visit the Windows Defender (Beta 2) newsgroup for support.

Anyone who uses Windows Defender (Beta 2) can join a worldwide network of users who help discover and report new threats. Microsoft analysts review these reports and develop new software definitions to guard against the new threats, so that everyone is better protected.

Even though Windows and Office are very closely linked when you use your computer, they are separate. Microsoft Windows is an operating system. An operating system manages the other programs on your computer, and (in the case of Windows) provides an graphical user interface (GUI) to help you run programs-also referred to as applications. Windows organizes all the programs and hardware on you computer so that they work together.

Windows Defender is only available from the Microsoft Download Center. It also comes with Windows Vista.

Windows Defender displays detailed information about every spyware program detected, which includes a description of the threat, where it is located on your computer, a risk rating, and a recommended action to take. This information allows you to make informed decisions about removal. You can either remove spyware permanently or temporarily disable it using the Quarantine option.