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Spybot, Ad-aware face competition from Microsoft


Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta is definitely honest - it detects Messenger Plus! as Spyware. And people are reporting that this beta version is reporting entries which Spybot and Ad-Aware have missed.

According to the
Neowin, Microsoft has retained such Giant AntiSpyware features as RealTime Detection, AutoUpdater, Spyware Scan and the widely hailed SpyNet Community network.

SpyNet is styled as a network of computer users who agree to forward information about spyware to help create and update spyware detection signatures. When the software's Security Agents are breached by unknown programs, the SpyNet servers are immediately updated to report the activity and check whether it is part of a spyware outbreak.

The program also includes a System Inoculation Wizard that suggests and enforces security levels, and a Tracks Eraser privacy tool, which deletes Internet history logs and 50 different activity trails from a user's Web-browsing history or Windows temporary folders.

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.

Paul says: They made the right decision about the anti-spyware solution acquisition. Let's hope the good decision making continues.

Microsoft's "A1" is expected to field its anti-spyware/anti-virus bundle in the form of a renewable subscription service

I just hope that Microsoft continues to release patches / service packs and don't make it a compulsion for Windows users to subscribe to this service to remain from from trojan / spware attacks.

Download: Windows AntiSpyware

Chris thinks Microsoft AntiSpyware is a great app, with an interface that is already light years beyond the competition (thanks to GIANT). Microsoft AntiSpyware app still hasn't recognized itself as legit. Here's a screen shot illustrating that the application actually thinks that it's spyware.



Mike has an interesting find on Scoble - The "Microsoft Antispyware has blocked..." part seems to go against what the rest of the message is saying.

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