Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta

[Clp727]

As we all know, MS has acquired Giant AntiSpyware software. They have released the MS AntiSpyware Beta. I like it! It detects spyware that Ad-AwareSE, Spybot, and SpySweeper missed. It will also return some false possitives as well, but all in all, Giant created a very nice tool to remove spyware. The MS version is a beta release, its currently free, and can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

[octalpus]

Gee... instead of fixing their shit, they come out with new shit to sell you that *might* be able to help you limp along. Yeah, must be a *GREAT* product!!

[ck3k]

Windows creates and then markets its own problems. There was also a snafu about this ad for the beta, orignally it showed a powerbook, then they updated it to show a more x86-esq laptop.

[Floydr47]

Gee... instead of fixing their shit, they come out with new shit to sell you that *might* be able to help you limp along. Yeah, must be a *GREAT* product!!

Allow me to play the "Devil's Advocate" for just a minute. While Microsoft may not be the perfect OS, it is perfect for millions of people who are not "leet" enough to use open scource. These being people that have lives that are not centered around a glowing screen or spending hours upon end reading books and articles on how to use their OS. Microsoft and AOL were designed for the " average computer user". These are the people who don't wish to have any knowledge of how the system works, they just want it to work when they want to use it. When "shit" breaks down they either use their local tech, a help desk, or consult a "computer guru". As with any commercial product I am sure that Windows is designed to break. That way they can sell new "shit" that will eventually break or become obsolete. I am sure that it is a plot by Bill Gates (possibly capitalism?). Now you and I know that "open scource" is completely spyware, adware, malware and trojan free, but all of those that use Windows don't know that, so I guess anything that helps them "limp" along is a blessing to them. As far as I can see Microsoft isn't trying to "sell" their Spyware Scanner Beta 1 at this point, looks like freeware from my desk.

[Clp727]

The new MS spyware tool has impressed me. I believe the beta version of the new tool is simply Giants software with a new GUI. I noticed that if I left click the desktop icon just once, then mouse over it, the words "GIANT AntiSpyware Main Application" appear. I agree with all of the replies to this thread, but I think that Floydr47 makes a really good point. I use a Windows box at home, and deal with them all day at work. MS is the reason I have a job.

Yes it is freeware for now...maybe guilt (on MS's behalf) is the reason that is currently free.

[TheCotMan]

Gee... instead of fixing their shit, they come out with new shit to sell you that *might* be able to help you limp along. Yeah, must be a *GREAT* product!!

Application of the Art of War by corps in consumer market:

Use of deception to cause the enemy to delay attack while you wait for resources:
Vapor Ware, Bullet Charts, Big Name, Appearing to have arrived at a ground of contention first, Appearing to occupy and control a ground of contention, appear to have something ready for release that appears to have more features than the competition

When negative feedback is encountered, find a way to resolve it, or redirect attention away from it:
If you can make it appear as though you are working on a solution that will satisfy enough of your consumers to retain market inertia from the masses, it may be chosen over a true solution.

FUD for consumers: "Why buy this product, if MS will own the market anyway in XYZ months?"

Now, when MS is asked about problem with SpyWare, they can say, "We have a solution for this problem! And we are provide it for FREE..." Who asks, "shouldn't you have fixed this crap before you released it?" Almost nobody. (Except OP and some people who can see a Pinto with an exploding gas tank for what it is.)

Universities, libraries, foreign governments, and others have actually switched to non-MS products and cited problems with worms, spyware, and security issues as reasons for switching.

MS again will market the above as a solution to the top, and the uninformed members at the top will believe the marketing and buy into it.

For MS, getting to market first is more important than getting it right. Bugs and security holes are what DRIVE THEIR BUSINESS. Bugs and security holes ensure built-in obselesence, and guarantee consumer purchased upgrades so long as FUD prevents them from migrating.

"If you don't send me money, I can't offer you the protection of the God father."
Legalizaed extortion.

I wish I was Microsoft.

[LosT]

Old Proverb:

"give the disease then offer the remedy"

LosT

[Floydr47]

For MS, getting to market first is more important than getting it right. Bugs and security holes are what DRIVE THEIR BUSINESS. Bugs and security holes ensure built-in obselesence, and guarantee consumer purchased upgrades so long as FUD prevents them from migrating.

Getting to the market first is the name of the game. The average consumer is going to buy the latest, newest and shiniest with all the bells and whistles. That is the market that Microsoft targets. Bugs and security holes put money in a lot of peoples pockets. I think that most of security people would agree that they love bugs and security holes...without them they would have to become truck drivers. Windows like everything else computer related is a work in progress, there will always be upgrades in one form or another. Microsoft seems to be addressing the spyware problem, so I for one, will wait and see where they go with this. I wish Bill Gates good luck and prosperity.

[TheCotMan]

Getting to the market first is the name of the game.

Yep. :-) That is part of The Art of War. "Being the first to occupy a ground of contention" is often worth great losses-- including destruction of your own troops or supplies.

[Krytycal]

Well I heard that they are planning on add this as a built in for IE on their next OS.

[Floydr47]

Well I heard that they are planning on add this as a built in for IE on their next OS.

Makes sense...AOL is advertising something similar, as is Earthlink. Microsoft would have to do something along those lines to stay competitive with their MSN sales...

[AlxRogan]

Makes sense...AOL is advertising something similar, as is Earthlink. Microsoft would have to do something along those lines to stay competitive with their MSN sales...

Yup, it would not surprise me that after an initial "beta" period, they start charging a subscription for their auto-update signature service. Never forget that your first one is free...

[ttickzz]

Intresting program. I downloaded and tried it of pure curiosity. It didn't detect any spyware at all (maybe because I am not running IE). What is more interesting is that the program gave med the following "Warning" :
A change to the restrict anonymous access requires approval
Microsoft antispyware has detected the Windows restrict anonymous setting is trying to be changed. This change will lower your windows overall security policies.
Advise : unless you have made the change in it , it is highly recommended that change be blocked

Well - the fact is that I have restricted anonymous access manually, and it doesn't look like MS likes that. i have been choosen No access without explicit anonymous permissions - and if I should have believed the MS antispyware, this is not a safe thing to do...
Funny program

[Krytycal]

Well, The program isn't bad considering that comes from Microsucks, matter of fact, is the only spyware removal tool with real time protection and registry guard. And it detected a couple infections that commercial tools (such as Adware) missed.

[oz0ne]

Firefox is Spyware

Slashdot just (last couple of days) had an article on it indicating that M$ Spyware tool doesn't like Firefox, lists it as spyware. Slashdot is having issues right now, so I cant post link...you do the search...
Enjoy
http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?si...id=154&tid=218
Oops...looks like it might be a hoax...hehehe...nice