Windows Defender was originally released in November of 2005 under the simple title of Microsoft AntiSpyware. In February 2006 it was re-released with new features and a new name; however, these were just beta versions, and a scant eight months later, the final release made its debut. With it came a new wave of safety features that has made this program one of the tops in computer security.

By default, Windows Defender is included with Windows Vista, and the soon to be released Windows 7. They also offer a free download to those still running Windows XP; however, this program is not available for use by systems running Windows 2000, which is no longer receiving support.

Real-time Protection

One of the things that makes Windows Defender such a solid program is that it offers real-time protection, while running seamlessly in the background. It monitors your computer while you are working and while you are away, and handles any unusual activity according to your specifications. You can easily configure your real-time protection in the options menu where you can select monitoring of your services and drivers; software utilities; downloads and add-ons, as well as system and Internet Explorer configuration settings.

Customer Opinion Program

One great aspect of Windows Defender is the customer opinion feature. By allowing their customers to speak up and give their opinion, other users might be helped in identifying threats; by showing a percentage of what new programs were blocked, and which have been allowed, it becomes easier to identify what may or may not be harmful. In addition to that, Microsoft allows users to submit programs that they suspect to be malicious or unwanted. After thorough research, Microsoft creates definitions and releases them to Windows Defender. What this means is that what Microsoft may miss, the user may catch, and thus increase the chances of catching malicious spyware before it spreads too far.

Software Explorer

One of the advanced tools for Windows Defender is Software Explorer. What this feature does is allow you to view very detailed information about what is running on your system: these include start-up programs; Winsock services, which often have access to vital – and thus, vulnerable – areas of your computer; network-connected and currently running programs. The latter two may be especially interesting to monitor, as with networks you can actually visualize all of the information coming and going from and to your system; with the currently running feature, you can see all of the programs that you are aware of, and the ones that are mysteriously running in the background.

Integration With Internet Explorer

A very helpful feature in Windows Defender is its integration with Internet Explorer. You may or may not usually scan all of the files you download onto your computer, but with this addition, you are certain to only download programs that are safe, and will not interfere with the security of the information on your system. This is accomplished by running constantly in the background of your browser; by doing so it monitors activity in Internet Explorer, checking for any suspicious activity, or changes that cause the program to raise a red flag.

Scanning For And Removing Spyware

Windows Defender has also made scanning for, and removing spyware exceptionally simple. By default, this program runs a full scan every day during the early hours; however, you can adjust this setting to whatever time you prefer, as well as adjusting how you want Windows Defender to deal with low, high and medium security risks; and set it to do a full system scan whenever you feel it to be necessary. You can also set the program to scan specific folders, files and programs; as well as custom scans throughout your computer and even removable storage devices.

When it comes to dealing with spyware found on your computer, you are in full control. If spyware is detected at the end of a scan, Windows Defender will prompt you to decide between four options: take no action (for when you are familiar with a program, or feel that it has a low risk); quarantine (which stops the program from running, but keeps it just in case), delete, and always allow (for programs you know are safe). Even if you are not the administrator on your computer, you are still allowed to choose from these options should spyware be found.

Event Log

If you like to keep an eye on your computer’s activity, the event log feature is a great tool. You can easily keep track of spyware detection and removal; alerts and new definition updates. You can also go back and inspect past logs, and make any corrections you deem necessary.

The Verdict

Windows Defender has proven to be a very advanced tool that allows you control without interfering with you day-to-day computer usage. It also gives you a voice, and an active role in defending your system, and all of the important information you keep on it.