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The key question is, why was that piece of software able to modify something it shouldn't have?

-bytecoder

Better yet, does it remove the rootkit without crippling your CD drive?

I had a batch file which was supposed to delete a whole load of files in the current directory. Microsoft Anti-spyware executed it inside System32!!

Luckily windows file protected prevented my system from imploding but Microsoft should be more careful...

Err... weren't they being careful by protecting all the Windows files?

That's pretty retarded. I was lucky cause I was only deleting files in the current directory (and not parents).

It still blew away some config files and drivers. It just didn't stop windows from booting.

if people actually tried to prevent them proactively instead of defensively, e.g. antivirus software.

That's a bit vague now that I look back at it. I was listing antivirus software as an example of defensive virus protection.

-bytecoder

Personally, I'll stick with AVG on Windows.

Windows anti-spyware is in no way a replacement for full virus scanner. They are *meant* to be two technologies that complement each other.

In reality they are just two more processes using up cpu cycles.

According to the FAQ found on the product's website, it will remain free.

Please provide examples to your claims.

I don't understand why this software is separate from the OS. I can see them giving it a codename internally, but why not silently include it as a service, thus avoiding the 'sell insecure OS -> sell security patches' claim?

It seems to me that they're going about repairing their tarnished name. Why "Windows and Windows Defender" instead of "Windows--Now More Secure"?

I don't understand why this software is separate from the OS. I can see them giving it a codename internally, but why not silently include it as a service, thus avoiding the 'sell insecure OS -> sell security patches' claim?

Windows Defender is not a commercial product. It'll be available as a free addon.

Windows Defender is not a commercial product. It'll be available as a free addon.

Yes, an add-on. Thus why I said it was separate from the OS.

But you also implied it was being sold.

but why not silently include it as a service, thus avoiding the 'sell insecure OS -> sell security patches' claim?

No one can make that claim since they aren't selling patches or Windows Defender.

Edited 2005-11-07 03:56

But you also implied it was being sold.

Ah, now I see the confusion. Thanks.

Or just don´t do your surfing or mailreading on an administrative account.

3) Unplug your computer.

I am not an idiot either.

1. I use Firefox exclusively and I still get spyware. You don't get spyware only from browsing. You cannot imagine how much software out there is bundled with spyware.

2. Thunderbird will not open any pictures or attachments if you don't open them yourself, the same way Yahoo Mail does.

I am sure that you think your system is clean and free of spyware. If you run SpybotS&D or AdAware you'll be suprised by the amount of spyware they will detect.

You can surf with Firefox and read your Gmail, but if you don't have a firewall, you're just inviting worms in.

You may not be an idiot yourself, but if you run your Windows machine without a firewall, you're betting that Microsoft doesn't have any exploitable bugs in the network services. Which is a bet only an idiot would take.

"You may not be an idiot yourself, but if you run your Windows machine without a firewall, you're betting that Microsoft doesn't have any exploitable bugs in the network services. Which is a bet only an idiot would take."

i agree at least run the windows xp sp2 firewall.

Exactly. The net is flooding with Windows defenders, without MS inventing their own artificial ones.

Agreed.

-bytecoder

Dont be so sure it didnt just come preload with it.