Ryan Parsons

Microsoft Hits Spyware on the Head!

Finally! It seems that the build up of spyware on peoples computers have finally caused the sleeping giant, Microsoft, to wake up! Spyware has become a larger problem then viruses, as small programs, hijackers, and hidden browser toolbars compete to pop up revenue earning ads on your computer. There have been a ton of free spyware blockers available for download on the net, but none of them could get the job done. Now, Microsoft has finally stepped in and is ready to do something.

Microsoft Battles Spyware
When I first heard that Microsoft had a beta version for a spyware blocker/remover software, I was slightly skeptical. Why now? What the hell took so long? I have seen users use anti-spyware programs that do more harm than good. The best free spyware on the net was currently AdAware, but that may soon change.

As an avid computer user, I consider spyware a larger problem then viruses. I have seen such a build-up of spyware on a single system that Internet Explorer would refuse to browse the web and only browse advertisement pages. IE gets so effected with spyware that it is prone to crashes, freezing, and random closing.

Well, I have finally got my hands on the Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta and put it to use on a very 'infected' computer. The results were nothing short of excellent. After getting approved by Microsoft as containing a real [not stolen] license of Windows XP, I was allowed to download their new anti-spyware software. After installing the software, the anti-spyware immediately stopped random desktop pop-ups [when IE opens on its own to show an advertisement page]. Alerts were popping up continuously stating that a 'internet explorer hijacking has been stopped.' Even before running a full system scan, the Microsoft Anti-Spyware program can already find hidden toolbars installed into Internet Explorer as spyware.

Running the scan is simple. Just boot up the anti-spyware software and let the scan go to work [can take up to twenty minutes or more]. For the computer that I tried the Microsoft Anti-Spyware on, the program found just under 70 instances of Spyware currently running on the computer. I told the software to delete ALL of the spyware programs.

But it doesn't end there! After the scan is completed and you are presented with all the spyware you can delete, the program allows you to automatically create a restore point. I nice Microsoft feature that allows you to easily repair your operating system if any errors occur from deleting installed spyware. My favorite part, however, came right after the deletion was complete. At this point, the anti-spyware program dives into the default settings for Microsoft Internet Explorer. These settings are usually changed by spyware, without any way for a standard user to change the settings back. Microsoft's Anti-Spyware Beta will convert EI back to all of its original defaults; another nice perk to using Microsoft.

So, how did the Microsoft Anti-Spyware program do? Well, lets just say that it does not need the 'beta' title anymore. There are no more popups, no more browser redirects, and the overall processing speed of the computer has greatly increased. It is fun to use the internet again!

But What About McAfee or Norton Anti-Spyware?
Three simple words- 'not as good.' I never use either McAfee or Norton as they too 'infect' a lot of your office and internet related programs. I have encountered multiple instances of Microsoft Office unable to open as it was not getting a 'go ahead' response from Norton. Another good reason why the Microsoft Anti-Spyware software is better is that the computer infected did have both McAfee and Norton installed already; guess they were not performing too well.

If you have spyware on your computer, or think you do, do yourself a favor and head over to Microsoft and wipe out all those annoying issues that come with spyware.

Thank You Microsoft!

Article Tags: Ywar Rogram

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