How to Obtain Ms Windows Antispyware

How to obtain Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

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Article ID : 892279

Last Review : August 3, 2005

Revision : 4.0

Beta Information

This article discusses a Beta release of a Microsoft product. The information in this article is provided as-is and is subject to change without notice.

No formal product support is available from Microsoft for this Beta product. For information about how to obtain support for a Beta release, see the documentation that is included with the Beta product files, or check the Web location where you downloaded the release.

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SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Spyware defined

Requirements for running Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

How to obtain Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

Technical support for Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

Length of use for Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

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SUMMARY

Microsoft has released a beta version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware. This beta release is built from technology that was acquired from Giant Company Software. You can use Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) to help detect and remove unwanted software, to help prevent its installation, and to help you see what software is running on any computer that is running Windows AntiSpyware (Beta). Together with security technologies in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 that help improve the security of browsing, Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) will help protect customers on the Internet.

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INTRODUCTION

Spyware defined

Spyware is malicious software that threatens the security and privacy of computer users. Our customers tell us that they look to Microsoft for powerful solutions to address this serious and growing problem.

Through deceit and trickery, spyware and other potentially unwanted software are installed on a computer without a person's knowledge or consent. This type of software ranges from unwanted pop-up ads to programs that can record keystrokes or take over a computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can slow computer performance, can change a computer's configuration, and can reveal passwords and personal information.

The problem is widespread. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software are found on 67 to 80 percent of consumers' computers, according to 2004 research by IDC and National Cyber Security Alliance. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software cause more than one-third of the program crashes that are reported to Microsoft.

For more information about Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) and about the spyware issue, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/)

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Requirements for running Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) currently is available only in English. You should not install Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) on computers that are running operating systems in other languages.

The minimum system requirements for Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) are the following:* Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or a later version

* A processor that runs at 300 megahertz (MHz) or faster

* At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM

* Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP, or Microsoft Windows 2000

* At least 10 MB of available free space on your hard disk

* Internet access with a connection speed of at least 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps)

Additionally, we recommend that you install the latest service packs and critical updates on your computer before you install Windows AntiSpyware (Beta). To obtain the latest service packs and critical updates for your computer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)

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How to obtain Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

The public beta release of Windows AntiSpyware is available for download at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/)

Important note to current users of Giant AntiSpyware If you are a current Giant AntiSpyware user and if you have an active subscription, your paid subscription includes functionality and support features that are not included in the Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) software. Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep your existing product and to not install the Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) software. For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/currentcustomers.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/currentcustomers.mspx)

If your subscription to Giant AntiSpyware has expired and if you want to download the Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) software, you must first remove any earlier versions of Giant AntiSpyware. To review the removal procedure, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/currentcustomers.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/currentcustomers.mspx)