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Network Standards |Security Tools |Beginners Tools | Microsoft Anti-Spyware

Security Tools for Beginners:

Microsoft Defender

Experience Level I

Anti-Spyware (with optional Real-Time Protections)

Free for Personal and Institutional Use

Description of MS Defender:

Security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Basic Instructions for use:

Install, go to "File", "Check for updates." When it's finished updating, select "Close." Then select "Spyware Scan," "Scan Options;" select "Full System Scan" then "Scan Now."

Tough-to-remove spyware requires a more thorough scan. Reboot your computer into safe mode by pressing the F8 key down during boot up and selecting " Safe Mode" from the Windows Advanced Options menu. In safe mode do another anti-spyware scan and remove any remaining spyware items.

Microsoft Defender also includes Real Time Spyware Protection. If you wish to disable this for performance reasons, go to "Real-time Protection " and deactivate all three agents.

More Information:

(Note: non-university sites):

Download MS Defender - MS Defender FAQ

Clean and Infected File Sharing Programs - Microsoft Defender will detect numerous peer-to-peer programs as spyware. If you are 100% positive you are using a non-spyware infected, file-sharing program (a near impossibility), select ignore on these entries. Use this list to be sure.

Disclaimer: The University at Albany is not affiliated with the tools described herein or their authors. Further, the University at Albany is not responsible for their use, or loss or damages resulting from their use. The University does not endorse or support the use of these tools.