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Microsoft Plans Free Anti-Spyware Program

What's up with that link?

reply to sbkansas
Here, no link needed:

Associated Press
Microsoft Plans Free Anti-Spyware Program
Tuesday February 15, 12:37 pm ET
By Matthew Fordahl, AP Technology Writer
Bill Gates Announces That Microsoft Will Give Away Software to Battle Spyware and Adware

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. will give away software to battle spyware, adware and other privacy-invading pests, company co-founder Bill Gates said Tuesday.
In a speech to security experts, Gates said the programs, which users often accept when they install free software without reading its accompanying licensing agreements, are quickly becoming a major threat to the future of computing.

Last month, the company released a free "beta," or test, version of Microsoft AntiSpyware, which was based on technology from a firm it acquired in December. But it had not announced whether the technology would be free in the final release.

"Spyware ... is something we need to nip now," Gates said. "We made the decision that all of our Windows licensees should have that (antispyware) capability. I'm excited we got this technology and it addresses a burning need for our users."

Gates' remarks suggest users will have to confirm they're running a licensed copy of Windows before installing the final release of the antispyware program.

The program also includes a feature where users can submit information back to Microsoft so that it keeps up with the latest threats. Even in beta, Gates said, the Spy Net network has been incredibly useful.

"We get half million reports each day," he said. "That's the data we use to make sure we're on top of these things."

Gates, who is now Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect, also said the company will make a paid version of its antispyware technology available to companies that need more advanced control over their systems.

Gates spoke at the RSA Conference, which is sponsored by RSA Security Inc. of Bedford, Mass.
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"You will find that the mere resolve not to be useless, and the honest desire to help other people, will, in the quickest and delicatest ways, improve yourself" - John Ruskin

reply to sbkansas
I think Bill is saying that end users get MS Antispyware for free, but enterprises who want more control (Group Policy integration, probably) will have to pay for those features.

I very much want the enterprise features because it's a serious pain in the ass to visit all the desktops. Don't mind paying for it either.

Steve
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Stephen J. Friedl • Unix Wizard • Microsoft Security MVP • Tustin, California USA • my web site

reply to sbkansas
Try this one...»story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=s···nference

reply to sbkansas
good move, Bill

Cool. Spy Net, Skynet, what's the difference

This is one MS freebie that's undoubtedly useful.

Good timing vis a vis the Lavasoft "scandal" too!

-- B
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In a realm outside causality and function

reply to sbkansas
Is he saying it will support all Windows versions (Windows 98/Me) or is it still gonna be an XP [edit] and 2k [end edit] only program?

it's also a win2k program

reply to DSL_Steve
Damned good point!

reply to sbkansas
So, when do we get this program?

reply to sbkansas
Actually, that gives me incentive to use it. Will re-install it now.

The CNET article at »Microsoft Anti-Spyware will be free has more information, including mention of IE 7.

-- B
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In a realm outside causality and function

reply to B

said by B:

Cool. Spy Net, Skynet, what's the difference

-- B

reply to B

reply to B

reply to Blackbird

Sure. In that respect even Windows 9x has ALWAYS been safer out of the box than any version of NT/2K/XP/2K3.

But it's kind of like saying I'm safe from viruses because I run an Atari 800.

-- B
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In a realm outside causality and function

reply to Blackbird

reply to sbkansas
*does a happy dance*

Didn't really want to pay for it, yet I have grown attached to MS's anti-spyware program.
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