Here's another test of the MS product from IIRC PC Magazine:
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Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1
REVIEW DATE: 01.10.05
And here's a review from AP's Technical Writer via Yahoo:
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Review: Microsoft Anti-Spyware Ineffective
Fri Jan 21,10:27 AM ET Technology - AP
By MATTHEW FORDAHL, AP Technology Writer
Microsoft Corp. created the world's most popular operating system —
one that's also heartily embraced by hackers and virus writers. And it
begat the world's top Web browser, which makes it all too easy to
mistakenly download and install spyware, adware and other garbage.
You'd think the world's largest software company, which presumably
knows its own Windows and Internet Explorer code, would have long ago
come up with something to repair PCs possessed by malicious programs.
Think again.
Though Microsoft regularly releases bug fixes, security patches and
even the occasional virus-removal tool, it has only recently made
programs available to help people wrangle back control of their
computers after they've clicked the wrong pop-up ad, opened a rogue
attachment or installed adware-packed freebies.
The company now has two free programs to help rid PCs of unwanted
pests. Though Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and
Microsoft AntiSpyware show some promise, they aren't close to being
magic bullets.
I tested the programs on a Windows XP computer I borrowed from my
wife's cousin. The 3-year-old PC, a Gateway running Windows XP Home
Edition, was basically unusable.
Annoying pop-up windows, a sign of adware, were the least of its
problems. The modem dialed phone numbers even though the PC was hooked
up to a broadband connection. It took more than a minute to load a
single Web page and often crashed minutes later.
Error messages appeared when I tried to open the Task Manager, a
Windows utility that shows running programs and processes. It refused
to load Windows Update, Microsoft's site for downloading security
patches and other fixes.
Needless to say, the machine had not received any security updates
from Microsoft in a while. To load Microsoft's Malicious Software
Removal Tool, I had to get it using another machine, load it on a USB
drive and install it manually. (It's usually available through Windows
Update.)
Once installed, the tool scanned the machine and reported no problems,
even though there were big problems.
The tool looks for a limited number of pests, such as "Sasser" and
"MSBlaster," so it didn't find the worm, "Netsky.P," that had infected
this PC. The program, though, will be updated each month and will
presumably become more effective.
By building its tool into Windows Update, Microsoft shows it's
aggressive about snuffing out pests. But it's got to stay up to date
with the threats and send out updates as close to real time as
possible. Who wants to wait until the second Tuesday of each month to
fix a sick PC?
Existing computer security firms have nothing to worry about — at
least for now.
Computer Associates' ezAntivirus took three hours to scan the entire
system and found 19,000 infected files. After the worm was knocked
out, the machine became slightly more stable and I could tackle the
spyware problem.
Installation of the prerelease version of Microsoft's antispyware
program, which can be downloaded free from Microsoft's Web site, was
easy. The final version's price, if any, has yet to be announced.
The interface was clear and simple. I ran a thorough scan, which
discovered 77 spyware and adware programs. I followed the software's
advice and removed them all.
But bizarre behaviors — including multiple pop ups, unwanted toolbars
and generally sluggish behavior continued.
So I rebooted the PC in safe mode, which limits the number of programs
that load at startup. The theory is that if it's not running, spyware
can be more easily deleted. This time, the program found about two
dozen spyware programs. I deleted those, too.
After rebooting again, the PC continued to show signs of infection,
though it did seem less bogged down. Having spent two days
disinfecting the system, I broke down and reformatted the hard drive.
I then reinstalled Windows XP and all its patches.
It took just 90 minutes.
The clean start gave me a chance to try Microsoft AntiSpyware in its
other role as protector of a clean system. Compared with competing
products, it did a good job and was easy to use. (There are modes for
novice and advanced users.)
It continuously monitors 59 checkpoints and alerts users whenever a
program attempts to make a change, though some of the messages could
do a better job of explaining troubles in plain English.
I tried downloading and installing a well-known adware program,
PurityScan. The security features in Windows XP Service Pack 2 tried
to get me to stop, but I ignored it. When the spyware installer was
running, two windows popped up giving me the chance to block some
files from installing.
This time, I agreed, but the program still showed up in a subsequent
scan. With a few clicks, I successfully deleted it.
In theory, Microsoft AntiSpyware should get better over time. It's
programmed to send reports back to Microsoft to improve and update
spyware definitions.
The antispyware program also has useful tools for easily accessing
Windows and Internet Explorer settings that were previously hidden
deep within the operating system and browser. In fact, any hijacked
settings can be restored with one click.
Overall, I was more impressed with the antispyware program's
protective measures and simple interface than with its ability to
cleanse existing infections. Still, Microsoft seems to be on the right
path to fixing the mess caused by the careless users, malicious
programmers, unethical companies and vulnerable software.
If only it hadn't taken so long.
On the Net:
Microsoft AntiSpyware:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Malicious Software Removal Tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
)