Microsoft Windows Defender

The anti-spyware software by Microsoft.

Microsoft Windows Defender isn't a normal antivirus, it is the Microsoft protection software. Even though its task is to protect the user, it wouldn't be correct to call it an antivirus, because it doesn't work as such. Basically, this software keeps track of the most important parts of the system and forms the first barrier that will find any spyware behind the browser.

  Integrating into Internet Explorer, Microsoft Windows Defender is capable of intercepting any communication on which some kind of spyware is trying to send or receive information. Thus, the protection of the user data is assured.

  Without requiring any additional configuration, Microsoft Windows Defender will analyze all the hard drive in search of spyware each day of the week and depending on the danger of the problem, it will start a specific cleaning method.

  As with other software, it is possible to start the scan automatically or configure it so as to have special care with specific folders. Since it receives automatic updates rather frequently, practically all the spyware that may appear will be eliminated and if this isn't possible, they will be placed in quarantine till they can be disinfected.

  Note: The supported operating systems are Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows XP SP2. It works with Internet Explorer 7 or above.