Windows AntiSpyware (beta) FAQs
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Q1: What is Spyware?

Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without your knowledge or permission. The information spyware collects can range from all the Web sites you visit to sensitive information including user names and passwords. You could become vulnerable to spyware if you download music from file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software programs from unknown sources.

Q2: How do I know if spyware has infected my computer?

If you experience slower Internet connection speeds, unwanted pop-up ads even when you aren't surfing the Web, changes in Web browser settings or home pages, or computer unresponsiveness, your computer may be infected. Because the typical goal of spyware is to steal information, some types of spyware may run quietly and not display any outward signs of infection. The best way to check for infection is to scan your computer using an updated utility, such as Windows AntiSpyware (Beta).

Q3: How does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) work?

Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your computer can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow computer performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information.

Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your computer. The worldwide SpyNet™ community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your computer so you stay up to date.

Q4: What does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) do when it finds spyware on my computer?

Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) displays detailed information about every spyware program detected, including a description of the threat, where it is located on your computer, a risk rating, and a recommended action to take. This information enables you to make informed decisions regarding removal.

Detected spyware can be either temporarily disabled using Spyware Quarantine or permanently removed from your computer. If you inadvertently remove any programs, you can easily get them back.

Q5: What is real-time protection, and how does it protect me?

Real-Time Protection is a Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware monitoring system that monitors more than 50 checkpoints in Windows. These checkpoints are triggered when programs make changes to your Windows configuration. These changes can occur when you install software on your computer, or they can occur when spyware or other potentially unwanted software attempts to install on your computer.

If Real-Time Protection detects a change in any checkpoint, Windows AntiSpyware alerts you and provides the option for you to allow or block the change. In some cases—for example, when you are installing software—you can choose to allow the change in order to continue the installation process.

To configure Real-Time Protection, click Settings on the Options menu. On the left menu, click Real-Time Protection to view options for activating or deactivating Real-Time Protection. Click Alerts to view options for the type of alerts that Real-Time Protection provides.

Q6: What is SpyNet™?

SpyNet™ is a voluntary worldwide community of Windows AntiSpyware users that plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Any user can choose to join SpyNet™ and report potential spyware to Microsoft.

Users participating in the global SpyNet™ network help to discover new threats quickly so everyone is better protected. Signatures are created for programs that are identified as spyware and made available to all users.

Q7: Which operating systems does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) support?

Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) supports Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server™ 2003.

Q8: How much does Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) cost?

You can download the beta version of the anti-spyware software at no charge.

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