Differences between Windows Defender and Microsoft Antispyware

[Bill Sanderson]

Users who are lamenting the loss of their favorite feature have a good many
posts in these groups. Here's a list which I'm going to paraphrase from a
recent Vista chat, since I'm not absolutely certain that I can appropriately
post the chat transcript answer directly:

New in Windows Defender:
The ability to run scans and remove spyware and other potentially unwanted
software as a non-admin.

definition updates can include engine updates as well as new signatures -
this means we can handle new 'threats' without having to release a
completely new build.

localization & accessibility support.
(German and Japanese versions have been announced, and other versions are
planned)

completely re-designed and refreshed user interface.

improved software explorer views that classifies software as 'allowed,
'potentially unwanted' or 'not yet classified.'
--

 

[Guest]

Yes, those are all positive steps forward (or will be when the updating
actually works ).

But that does not alter the fact that several useful tools were removed and
that some things have been made less convenient to do, I think deliberately
so, to discourage users from making their own decisions. An example of the
latter: to shut off active monitoring or shut down WD temporarily (when
installing new software, for instance) one now has to open WD, click several
times to access the relevant screen, instead of convenient right click on
systray icon. Another gripe is the alert if you haven't scanned with WD after
3 days. I don't need such frequent scans. An option to set the reminder to a
number of days chosen by the user would be helpful.

The nanny knows best philosophy behind many recent MS developments (also
prominent in IE7 beta) is, I think, being taken too far at the expense of
reducing usability. I accept that inexperienced users may need increased
protection from themselves, but there has to be a balance, or at least the
options should be available for more experienced users to make their own
decisions without increased inconvenience.

 

[Guest]

Windows Defender Live (Beta), help needed from Microsoft.
Except for the new download Signature Version 1.14.1314.1, all previous
versions have fallen into a loop to High Priority Definition Update
1.14.1314.1 for Beta Windows Defender (KB915597). The users of the Windows
OneCare Live (Beta) have downloaded automatically the file in excess of 54
times, as per the Update History, with no positive results. Previous results
of the Windows Defender (Beta) Definition Updates that worked are:
1.13.1276.3, 1.13.1272.4, 1.13.1276.16, 1.13.1282.6 and 1.13.1386.1 with KB
892519, 892519, 892519, 915597 and 915597 respectively. The loop failure
started when trying to update to 1.13.1288.5 and 1.13.1314.1 both with
KB915597, from older Signature Versions. Worst of all, no removal of the
Defender beta is possible nor installation of the newer 1314 version ontop of
the other.
Microsoft, please read also the many complains in the Discussion Groups Home

 

[Bill Sanderson]

FWIW, I've seen the 3 day reminder acknowledged as a bug by several
Microsoft posters--this will be changed.

This is the place to post feedback--it does get read. This is a piece of
software which Microsoft (and the rest of us) hope will be installed on
every box. Given that intended pervasive presence, and the fact that this
will be a supported application--supported by Microsoft for retail OS
installs, and by OEM's--the app needs to be as simple and easy to support as
possible.

I don't think this app needs to compete on a bells and whistles basis with
other antispyware vendors. It does need to compete on the effectiveness of
real-time protection, and of cleaning, I think.
--

 

[Hawkins]

Two negatives to add to the others in this thread.
1. The extended time it takes for Beta 2 to run. In my case 75 minutes as
opposed to 11 minutes for Beta 1. Both with no other Apps running.
2. The now infamous Looping updates of Beta 2 which has not affected
everyone, but the only way I have found as a total cure has been to remove
Beta2 and go back to Beta 1.

Richard.

 

[Bill Sanderson]

I'm not hearing anyone mention that a very similar issue with updates
happened with beta1.

I think the first point is more significant-(I think the update issue will
get solved)--I don't know whether the extra time is a tuning issue--or
whether it is due to extra work being done. If it is the latter, and the
result is better scanning and more thorough cleaning, I'm all for it.

--

Two negatives to add to the others in this thread.
1. The extended time it takes for Beta 2 to run. In my case 75 minutes as
opposed to 11 minutes for Beta 1. Both with no other Apps running.
2. The now infamous Looping updates of Beta 2 which has not affected
everyone, but the only way I have found as a total cure has been to remove
Beta2 and go back to Beta 1.

Richard.