Defender - Intro

In Windows Vista, Microsoft include an antispyware program called Defender. This an updated version of what Microsoft brought from Giant Antispyware.

There are several reason to keep this extra protection on your computer, especially if you are connected to the internet.

• Real-time protection -‍‍ Windows Defender alerts you when spyware or potentially unwanted software attempts to install itself or to run on your computer. It also alerts you when programs attempt to change important Windows settings.

• SpyNet community - The online Microsoft SpyNet community helps you see how other people respond to software that has not yet been classified for risks. Seeing if other members of the community allow software can help you choose whether to allow it on your computer. In turn, if you participate, your choices are added to the community ratings to help other people choose what to do.

• Scanning options - You can use Windows Defender to scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software that might be installed on your computer, to schedule scans on a regular basis, and to automatically remove any malicious software that is detected during a scan.

I must admit even though I keep Defender running in the background, my primary defense is Avast. This goes back to the principle of Defense In Depth. Which is says that the more layer of defense you have the better your protection.