Windows defender?

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

Why haven't I heard of this program before? An absolutely free spyware detector by microsoft? Well, I am testing it out right now. I will let you know what I think of it Wink

Kizzume · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:49 pm Post subject:

It won't block spyware from the companies that Microsoft bought that make spyware, but it does work on the other ones.

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

Lol yeah I would figure. I am just surprised I never heard of this one. Integrated with other spyware detectors, I would think this could be a smart 3rd option.

Kizzume · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:13 pm Post subject:

It's definitely not a bad idea to do that. In fact, I think I may do that myself. There is something I have right now that has put a bunch of entries in my DNS server list, and that bugs me a lot. If I didn't have a large hosts file protecting my computer, I would probably be in trouble right now because of WHAT is in that DNS server list.

Kizzume · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:22 pm Post subject:

Hmm--they make you turn on the following windows services in order to update--I normally have these off:

Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Automatic Updates
Application Layer Gateway Service

At least I can turn those services back off once I'm done updating though.... it's microsoft, and the require those for windows updates too, so I should expect it.... Smile

jq · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1124

Microsoft would be stupid to get too snoopy. They have fanboys like me who are willing to keep buying their crap so long as they don't act like jerks about it. I am generally very pleased with Microsoft and after their recent comment about how they will not join in on spying on customers to prevent music theft (whereas ATT and many others are in talks right now of doing so) they gained a serious fanboy.

technocrat · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 216

I hate Windows Defender. Absolutely hate it. Been having horrendous problems with it. It kept exaggerating reports of viruses and then was unable to find anything causing it. then I bought Fix-it, and bam, problem solved.

Kizzume · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:46 pm Post subject:

I think it's awful that it needs to have windows updates turned on for it to update.