Microsoft has just released the second beta version of its anti-spyware application, Windows Defender Beta 2, featuring significant changes to the user interface and full integration with Windows Vista.
Windows Defender Beta 2, essentially a rebranded and enhanced version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware Beta, has added capabilities to scan and eliminate rootkits, keyloggers, and other types of dangerous software using a completely new scanning engine.
At the 2006 RSA Conference, Microsoft showcased the real-time detection and blocking capabilities of Windows Defender against malicious web software.
With the security-focused changes in Internet Explorer 7, alongside the feature that prevents any default settings from existing in Vista, Microsoft aims to create a default secure operating system with multi-layered security features.
Windows Defender Beta 2 has also improved its graphical user interface and the layout of security alerts. The new Software Explorer feature promises to provide users with advanced application management capabilities—users will now have more information about the applications that start with the operating system or those running in the background.
Microsoft stated that as of now, Windows Defender Beta 2 supports 64-bit operating systems and offers protection technologies for all users, regardless of their administrative access to their systems.
Another notable change in Windows Defender Beta 2 compared to Windows AntiSpyware is that the program’s icon will no longer appear in the system tray. Users will only know that Windows Defender is running in the background when they receive alerts from the application.
Alerts will no longer pop up as windows; instead, they will mimic the familiar yellow warning balloons in Windows. However, these alerts in Windows Defender Beta 2 are not enabled by default.
Windows Defender also features automatic scanning and removal of malware, supports multiple languages, and includes assistive technologies for users with disabilities…
Automatic updates are another new feature in Windows Defender. The application will automatically download updates for the scanning engine and the definitions for malicious software.
You can download Windows Defender Beta 2 here.
