Microsoft KB Archive/892279

= How to obtain Windows Defender =

Article ID: 892279

Article Last Modified on 2/6/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP for Itanium-based Systems Version 2003
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Itanium-based systems
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Itanium-based systems
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Windows Defender

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Spyware defined
Spyware is malicious software that threatens the security and privacy of computer users. Our customers tell us that they look to Microsoft for powerful solutions to address this serious and growing problem.

Through deceit and trickery, spyware and other potentially unwanted software are installed on a computer without a person’s knowledge or consent. This type of software ranges from unwanted pop-up ads to programs that can record keystrokes or take over a computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can slow computer performance, can change a computer’s configuration, and can reveal passwords and personal information.

The problem is widespread. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software are found on 67 to 80 percent of consumers’ computers, according to 2004 research by IDC and National Cyber Security Alliance. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software cause more than one-third of the program crashes that are reported to Microsoft.

For more information about Windows Defender, and about the spyware issue, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software

Requirements for running Windows Defender
Windows Defender currently is available only in English, Japanese and German. You should not install Windows Defender on computers that are running operating systems in other languages.

The minimum system requirements for Windows Defender are the following:
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or a later version
 * An Intel Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) or higher processor, Pentium III recommended
 * At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM
 * Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 or a later version, or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or a later version
 * 20 MB of available hard disk space
 * Internet access with a connection speed of at least 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps)

We recommend that you install the latest service packs and critical updates on your computer before you install Windows Defender. To obtain the latest service packs and critical updates for your computer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

How to obtain Windows Defender
The public release of Windows Defender is available for download at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=435BFCE7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D&displaylang=en

Important note to current users of Giant AntiSpyware If you are a current Giant AntiSpyware user and if you have an active subscription, your paid subscription includes functionality and support features that are not included in Windows Defender. Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep your existing product and to not install Windows Defender. For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

If your subscription to Giant AntiSpyware has expired and if you want to download the Windows Defender software, you must first remove any earlier versions of Giant AntiSpyware. To review the removal procedure, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/jan05/01-06NewSolutionsPR.mspx



MORE INFORMATION
For more information about how to use Windows Defender, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/4ef8da25-133e-4947-99c1-5c7951d48a151033.mspx

Alternatively, see the Help menu at the top of the main Windows Defender window.

Keywords: kbhowto kbpubtypekc kbdefenderrtwyes kbdefenderrtwswept KB892279

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