| Microsoft Windows Defender Beta now available Microsoft recently released a new beta version of Windows antispyware called Windows Defender Beta 2. The Office of Information Technology recommends the use of antispyware software to protect against threats not technically classified as viruses. The previous Windows antispyware Beta has been a requirement for Windows computers running in the residence halls, and it already is running on many faculty and staff computers as well. Users of Windows Antispyware Beta will eventually be prompted to upgrade to the new version. It also can be installed from www.microsoft.com/security. Most campus computers are protected from viruses by Symantec’s Norton Antivirus software, but not all malicious software can be classified as a virus. Adware and spyware programs often are installed along with other free or inexpensive software, but also can be installed without your permission by viruses and less reputable Web sites. Adware typically produces pop-up advertisements, even when your Web browser isn’t running. Sometimes it will change your preferred browser home page. Spyware describes software that monitors your computer and sends information to a remote site. Usually the information collected amounts to anonymous statistics for market research. Sometimes adware affects computer performance, and sometimes spyware collects information that is more specific than people prefer. The worst offenders are programs that go beyond routine spyware and try to collect passwords, credit card information, e-mail addresses, and more. The best way to avoid adware and spyware is to keep your Internet software and operating system up to date. Most computers on campus have Windows automatic updates enabled, but many home computers do not. It is also important to keep your Web browser, e-mail application, instant message chat clients, and other Internet software up to date to avoid viruses and spyware. Carefully read license agreements before installing new software; especially if that software is free. Software described as “open-source” does not contain adware or spyware, but the Web is full of other free software from less reputable sources. Many free screen savers and games install adware and even spyware. Use an Internet search engine to read about a particular piece of software before you install it. Windows Defender will routinely scan for, and remove, adware and spyware. It also has utilities like the Software Explorer that displays the programs that your computer loads automatically and provides information on their origin and threat status. The software is classified as “beta,” which means it is functional but not quite ready for official release. The Office of Information Technology usually does not recommend relying on beta software, but an exception was made for the Windows Antispyware beta. In practical experience the Antispyware beta has been found to be as effective, and sometimes more effective, than other free spyware detection and removal applications. For more information about protecting your computer from adware, spyware, and viruses visit http://help.american.edu and click the link for “Pop-up Ads and Spyware.” —MU |
