Windows Defender

Windows Defender, formerly marketed under the name of Microsoft AntiSpyware, is a security software from Microsoft for the detection of potentially unwanted software (mainly spyware). Windows Defender is included in Windows Vista, pre-installed Windows 7 and Windows 8, but is also available for free for Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or later) and Windows Server 2003 (Service Pack 1 or later ) is available.

The program was originally called Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware and was available in the beta version one before it was replaced by the new program, Windows Defender.

On 9 December 2011, in the beta stage located offline version was presented, which can start from optical media or USB sticks. The download contains only a wizard that helps you create a CD / DVD or a USB stick. The turn invites his hand down until the 250 MB System Rescue.

In Windows 8, Windows Defender is an integral part of the operating system. The additional integration of the Microsoft Security Essentials is a free anti-virus and spyware protection with definition updates is included in every Windows 8.

Functions

The main feature of Windows Defender were - up to Windows 7 - the prevention and removal of spyware and malware. In addition, however, the program also has the following additional features.

Real-time protection

In Windows Defender, the end user can also use some more protection options:

  • Startup - Displays all applications that are loaded automatically after the computer startup.
  • Internet Explorer Add- ons - Displays the extensions of Internet Explorer that are automatically started.
  • Internet Explorer settings - Displays the security settings of the browser.

Specific features since Windows Vista

In Windows Vista, the Windows Defender automatically blocks all startup applications that require administrator rights. This increases the security of the system ( see also the User Account Control ): The user must explicitly confirm or reduce the rights of the program to automatically start a program with elevated privileges.

Since Windows 8, Microsoft Security Essentials have been fully integrated into the Windows Defender, which is also a comprehensive real-time protection against viruses.

System Requirements

The official system requirements of Microsoft are:

  • 233 MHz processor
  • 64 MB, better 128 MB of memory ( RAM)
  • Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later
  • 20 MB of hard disk space
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
  • Windows Installer 3.1 or higher

The current Windows Defender version is compatible according to Microsoft, in contrast to the Beta versions no longer with Windows 2000 because this operating system has abandoned his mainstream support on 30 June 2005 and has been serving more only with safety, but no additional updates. On 13 July 2010 ended all support for Windows 2000.

Microsoft Security Essentials

In December 2008, Microsoft announced the development of anti-virus solution "Morro", which was then officially named "Microsoft Security Essentials ". The free security solution replaces both the Windows Defender as well, however, Windows Live OneCare is not supported on Windows Server 2003, as opposed to Windows Defender to run. Users of Windows Defender definition updates, however, will continue.

Since Windows 8 Windows Defender is a complete virus scanner, which is based on Microsoft Security Essentials.

Windows Server 2008 Freeware Microsoft Active Protection Service
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