Siddhartha Gandhi said:
First off, my problem. I'm using dialup, and when i click update now it
doesn't seem to be working. It might, but there is no status display to show
that it is. That is a vital suggestion for the final version of defender: a
status box for updates. Also, I would really like to see the reappearance of
the Browser Helper Objects and similar panels that were in the original
Microsoft AntiSpyware but is not in Windows Defender.
All Microsoft Antispyware protections are also in Windows Defender, read the
help guide:
Understanding real-time spyware protection optionsReal-time protection
alerts you when spyware and other potentially unwanted software attempts to
install itself or run on your computer. You are also alerted if programs
attempt to change important Windows settings.
You choose the software and settings that you want Windows Defender to
monitor, but we recommend that you use all of the real-time protection
options (also called agents). The following table explains each agent and why
it is important.
Real-time protection agent Purpose
Auto Start Monitors lists of programs that are allowed to automatically run
when you start your computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software
can be set to run automatically when Windows starts. That way, they can run
without your knowledge and collect information. They can also make your
computer start or run slowly.
System Configuration (settings) Monitors security-related settings in
Windows. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can change hardware
and software security settings, and then collect information that can be used
to further undermine your computer's security.
Internet Explorer Add-ons Monitors programs that automatically run when you
start Internet Explorer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can
masquerade as web browser add-ons and run without your knowledge.
Internet Explorer Configurations (settings) Monitors browser security
settings, which are your first line of defense against harmful content on the
Internet. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can try to change
these settings without your knowledge.
Internet Explorer Downloads Monitors files and programs that are designed to
work with Internet Explorer, such as ActiveX controls and software
installation programs. These files can be downloaded, installed, or run by
the browser itself. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can be
included with these files and installed without your knowledge.
Services and Drivers Monitors services and drivers as they interact with
Windows and your programs. Because services and drivers perform essential
computer functions (such as allowing devices to work with your computer),
they have access to important software in the operating system. Spyware and
other potentially unwanted software can use services and drivers to gain
access to your computer or to try to run undetected on your computer like
normal operating system components.
Application Execution Monitors when programs start and any operations they
perform while running. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can
use vulnerabilities in programs that you have installed to run harmful or
unwanted software without your knowledge. For example, spyware can run itself
in the background when you start a program that you frequently use. Windows
Defender monitors your programs and alerts you if suspicious activity is
detected.
Application Registration Monitors tools and files in the operating system
where programs can register to run at any time, not just when you start
Windows or another program. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software
can register a program to start without notice and run, for example, at a
scheduled time each day. This allows the program to collect information about
you or your computer or gain access to important software in the operating
system without your knowledge.
Windows Add-ons Monitors add-on programs (also known as software utilities)
for Windows. Add-ons are designed to enhance your computing experience in
areas such as security, browsing, productivity, and multi-media. However,
add-ons can also install programs that will collect information about you or
your online activities and expose sensitive, personal information, often to
advertisers.