On Monday, October 23, Microsoft released the final version of Windows Defender, free anti-spyware program for the Windows operating system.
The final product is the result of almost two years long testing and development started with the release of Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1 based on GIANT AntiSpyware, a popular spyware remover back in 2004. Windows Defender is very similar to Windows Defender Beta 2, which came out in the beginning of this year, but it’s definitely better and more solid.
The final version does not introduce any major changes. The program is almost the same as Beta 2, except for improved user interface, enhanced controls, fixed update function and redesigned system tray icon. Other changes are so small, that you probably won’t notice them at all.
Compared to Beta 2, Windows Defender’s spyware detection and removal rate is just the same. The application is good in removing typical spyware and adware, but it’s still quite ineffective against viral pests and complex parasites that combine common spyware functionality with techniques used by trojans, backdoors and Internet worms.
One of the strongest sides of Windows Defender is its powerful and customizable real-time protection. However, it’s definitely not the best one available on the market today. Popular anti-spyware programs like Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper or SUPERAntiSpyware outperform Windows Defender in this field.
In our Anti-Spyware Comparison Windows Defender is among Top 10 best spyware removers. It holds last place there, which still is a great result - other 60 products did not get so far.
Nevertheless, we like other products more, and thus highly recommend them. These are Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper and SUPERAntiSpyware. But if you have good antivirus program installed, then Windows Defender is sufficient.
The program runs on Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 operating systems only. Other platforms are not supported.
Download Windows Defender from the official web site.
Users running Windows Defender Beta 2 should upgrade to the final release until December 31, the day when Beta 2 expires.
