Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta Due 6th January

[kainashi]

Microsoft have just finished distributing an internal Beta 1 escrow build to internal beta testers. "Atlanta" is the code-name for Microsoft's rehashed GIANT Software Anti-Spyware. In a memo internally, the company looks clear to distribute the software this coming Thursday calling it "new, it's fresh, and it's all good".

Encouraging employees to install the Beta is one of the many ways tests Beta products internally. It's not clear whether the release this Thursday will be a public beta or a private external beta.

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here are some screenshots: install (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/install1.PNG), setup (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/setup1.PNG), main screen (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/main.PNG), scan (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/scan.PNG), realtime protection (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/realtime.PNG), main settings (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/settings.PNG), auto-update popup (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/popup.PNG), and system summary (http://home.comcast.net/~kainashi86/ms_spyware/systemsummary.PNG)

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also, if you didn't know, microsoft purchased (http://giantcompany.com/) giant and rehashed it to make their own anti-spyware. i hope it gets a more thorough makeover because it looks exactly like giant anti-spyware but with the microsoft name. :monocle:

[HavoX]

Microsoft Anti-Spyware? No thanks.

I'm sticking with Ad-aware, Spybot-S&D, and my recently installed Webroot Spy-Sweeper.

[kainashi]

why?

it's built off of giant anti-spyware, which is by far a lot better than any of those you listed except for maybe spy sweeper.

[HavoX]

Well then, it's good to know anyway.

Since Microsoft's upcoming Anti-Spyware program is based on the Giant AntiSpyware product, it should have potential.

[kainashi]

I've been told the public preview is now set for January 6, 2005.

source: winsupersite (http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/ms_antispyware_preview.asp)

:monocle: awesome.

[RedStarWarrior]

Hmm. If Microsoft ****s this up then I will have lost all respect for the company. Giant was a decent spyware scanner.

[kainashi]

on a sidenote: microsoft anti-spyware and anti-virus bundle (http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1747802,00.asp) :monocle:

and some features integrated into future versions of windows? i smell a few lawsuits coming microsofts way. :( sounds great though. can't wait to see how they turn out. :yes:

[Lezta]

on a sidenote: microsoft anti-spyware and anti-virus bundle (http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1747802,00.asp) :monocle:

and some features integrated into future versions of windows? i smell a few lawsuits coming microsofts way. :( sounds great though. can't wait to see how they turn out. :yes:

As long as they don't start telling companies they're not allowed to offer Norton on PCs with Windows on and shiz they'll be fine...

[kainashi]

it's out. get it here (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&DisplayLang=en). :)

edit: direct link (http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/1/5/815d2d60-49b5-44dc-ae35-fca2f2c6f0cc/MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe)

[HavoX]

As long as they don't start telling companies they're not allowed to offer Norton on PCs with Windows on and shiz they'll be fine...why would they do that? it's not like they've patented anti-virus protection, right? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/rolleye.gif

[andyizcool]

This program is pretty cool because it found a few bits of Spyware that Ad-Aware didn't find. Very useful for me thanks. :)

[Chris]

why would they do that? it's not like they've patented anti-virus protection, right? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/rolleye.gif

They hadn't patented the Internet either, but that didn't stop them having a stranglehold on the web browser market for over 10 years.

[kainashi]

Microsoft also will announce the upcoming availability of the first monthly installment of Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, a new, single removal tool that will let customers remove from their PCs all viruses, worms and variants targeted in previous removal tools in a one-time operation. Microsoft will provide updated versions of this tool at no charge on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning on January 11, 2005, as part of the existing monthly software security update process, or more often if necessary.this is great too. :monocle:

[HavoX]

Microsoft also will announce the upcoming availability of the first monthly installment of Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, a new, single removal tool that will let customers remove from their PCs all viruses, worms and variants targeted in previous removal tools in a one-time operation. Microsoft will provide updated versions of this tool at no charge on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning on January 11, 2005, as part of the existing monthly software security update process, or more often if necessary.Holy Kracus!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/faintthud.gif

[Lady Vulpix]

For some reason I have trouble trusting an anti-spyware program made by the most massive spyware producers I've heard of.

[kainashi]

For some reason I have trouble trusting an anti-spyware program made by the most massive spyware producers I've heard of.first off, it isn't made by microsoft themselves. it's made by giant (http://giantcompany.com/). secondly, microsoft a big spyware producer? please. give me a break.

[Thy]

I just tried it. I like it a lot more SBot S and D. It has complete descriptions of every file it finds, plus you automatic delete your tracks used on programs like Kazzaa and Real Player as well as Internet Explorer stuff like cookies and the Google Toolbar searches. the only problem is that Firefox isn't included in that lis (wonder why?). Plus is has like a dumb-person mode. I haven't tried it yet since it seemed really easy to use anyway. Plus I like the option of including it's updates as part of Windows Auto Updates. Very cool. I recomend this thing to anyone who seems to have problems with spyware/adware.

[RedStarWarrior]

For some reason I have trouble trusting an anti-spyware program made by the most massive spyware producers I've heard of.
For some reason I have trouble trusting people who don't know what the hell they are talking about. Microsoft doesn't make spyware, its software is just an attractive target due to the amount of users.

[HavoX]

WOW

I've downloaded this thing today and I just dumped Spy Sweeper (I never really liked it anyway; it uses up alot of memory)... it does exactly what I want it to do!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/icon14-left.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/cool2.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/up.gif

[kainashi]

WOW

I've downloaded this thing today and I just dumped Spy Sweeper (I never really liked it anyway; it uses up alot of memory)... it does exactly what I want it to do!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/icon14-left.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/cool2.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/up.gifi'd keep spy sweeper if i were you. a backup is always nice. :yes:

[HavoX]

I already told you, I have Ad-aware and Spybot S&D, remember? :-P

[kainashi]

I already told you, I have Ad-aware and Spybot S&D, remember? :-Psounds a little crowded.

[RedStarWarrior]

**** that. I trust that it is alright, but I am happy with Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, and Spy Sweeper.

[Water Pokemon Master]

Grrr, it keeps changing my msconfig to make MSN Messenger start up, and I don't ever use it. Everytime I change it back, it puts it back on. :mad2: They sure like to have their Microsoft products invade your computer.

[kainashi]

Grrr, it keeps changing my msconfig to make MSN Messenger start up, and I don't ever use it. Everytime I change it back, it puts it back on. :mad2: They sure like to have their Microsoft products invade your computer.the anti-spyware program isn't doing that... it does it on it's own. -_-

[Lezta]

I like how it deletes MSN-Plus. :)

[kainashi]

I like how it deletes MSN-Plus. :)messenger plus! comes bundled with adaware, that's why.

[Lady Vulpix]

I take it none of you has noticed all the information Microsoft programs send Microsoft while you're using them, especially MSN.

[kainashi]

I take it none of you has noticed all the information Microsoft programs send Microsoft while you're using them, especially MSN.maybe i haven't noticed because none of them do...? you're so anti-microsoft it isn't even funny. that and you can never back up your comments against them. that or you spew bullshit.

[HavoX]

I take it none of you has noticed all the information Microsoft programs send Microsoft while you're using them, especially MSN.Gabi, you wouldn't happen to be a Linux user... would you?

anyway I'm not sure what you meant by "all the information Microsoft programs send to Microsoft" but I haven't really noticed http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Honushi/smilies/shrug.gif

[kainashi]

Gabi, you wouldn't happen to be a Linux user... would you?she is an avid linux user. not surprising, huh? :)

[shazza]

messenger plus! comes bundled with adaware, that's why.

not if you click 'No! I do not want the sponsor package!'

[kainashi]

i know that but not everyone reads before clicking "yes". ;)

[shazza]

:lookout:

[Lezta]

:lookout:

I clicked no anyway. lol. Still wanted it off. Yay.

[Lady Vulpix]

I'm not trying to be funny. Want to test it? Check all the ports MSN opens, and the traffic through those ports.
And I use some Microsoft products, so I'm not completely against everything Microsoft does, just most of it. I use Windows 98 and Office 97 when I'm not on Linux.

[kainashi]

I'm not trying to be funny. Want to test it? Check all the ports MSN opens, and the traffic through those ports.
And I use some Microsoft products, so I'm not completely against everything Microsoft does, just most of it. I use Windows 98 and Office 97 when I'm not on Linux.most, if not, all software that connects to the internet opens ports and sends information. what's your point?

also. right off the bat, it asks you if you want to send information to microsoft about usage and whatnot. just click "no". simple, huh? :o

[Lady Vulpix]

Of course all programs that use the internet open ports, just not nearly as many as MSN does. Most of them aren't used for the visible functions, and MSN works just as well if you disable them (I don't have it, but I have friends who have done it).

[kainashi]

Of course all programs that use the internet open ports, just not nearly as many as MSN does. Most of them aren't used for the visible functions, and MSN works just as well if you disable them (I don't have it, but I have friends who have done it).so do you have a website or something that shows proof of this? :)

[kainashi]

Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. 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.

Since releasing Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) on January 6, 2005, we have received feedback from customers and have made enhancements to the software based on this feedback. We have enhanced some of the real-time protection agents, added new threat categories, and improved stability and performance. If you are using a previous version you can simply upgrade to the refreshed version. The version number of the refreshed version is 1.0.509. To check the version number, click About Microsoft AntiSpyware… on the Help menu.

Note: This download has been updated to include signature version 5687, which is the most current as of February 10, 2005. Customers who have installed Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware prior to this date do not need to re-download. They will receive signature updates as part of their next automatic or manual signature update.

Download: Windows AntiSpyware Beta Refresh (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=321CD7A2-6A57-4C57-A8BD-DBF62EDA9671&displaylang=en)

:)