Windows Defender Final Released

[Josh]

FIRST NOTE: IT REQUIRES WGA VALIDATION, SO PLEASE DONT TURN THIS TOPIC INTO AN DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT

Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive. Now with 2 free support incidents for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Windows Defender features
• New option to display Windows Defender system tray icon even when there are no pending actions needed.
 
• Enhanced performance through a new scanning engine.
 
• Streamlined, simplified user interface and alerts.
 
• Improved control over programs on your computer with enhanced Software Explorer.
 
• Multiple language support with globalization and localization features.
 
• Protection features for all users, whether or not they have administrator rights on the computer.
 
• Support for assistive technology for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
 
• Support for Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
 
• Automatic cleaning according to your settings during regularly scheduled scans.

Microsoft encourages all Windows Defender (Beta 2) users to download and install Windows Defender.

Known issues
• By design, the system tray icon for Windows Defender does not appear if you do not need to take action.
 
• Windows Defender might prompt you to remove some peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs. If you choose to remove such a program, Windows Defender deletes all the contents of the Program Files folder associated with the P2P program. Because some P2P programs store downloaded files in a default folder under Program Files, this might remove all files you have downloaded through the file-sharing program. For example, KaZaA stores .exe and .dll files at C:\Program Files\Kazaa. Downloaded files are stored at C:\Program Files\Kazaa\My Shared Folder. If you use Windows Defender to remove KaZaA, all files and folders under C:\Program Files\Kazaa are removed. If you have installed any P2P file-sharing programs, it is a good idea to back up your downloaded files before you run Windows Defender.
 
• You do not need to remove other antispyware or antivirus programs to run Windows Defender. Other programs or Windows Defender might prompt you to allow or block an action, but there are no other known incompatibilities between Windows Defender and other antispyware or antivirus programs.
 
• By design, the final release of Windows Defender removes Windows Defender (Beta 2).
 
• Windows Defender offers only limited Group Policy settings. The final version of Windows Defender will include administrator (.adm) files so that you can configure those limited settings in Windows Defender through Group Policy.

-Change Log

[Tekzel]

You know, Windows Defender pisses me off.  And here is why.

Often when you are installing it you are doing so because you already have malware.  Sometimes it is because you cant get into windows in normal mode and can only get in safe mode.  Guess what?  You cant install the darn thing in safe mode because you cant use MSI in safe mode!  A tool like this should be installable in safe mode, thats all I am saying.

Another thing, it does not show you PROGRESS DURING UPDATING.  I really, really hate that.  I mean, with a passion.

Other than that, its a decent little program.  Can't beat it for free with the real time protection.