HelpWithWindows Newsletter

01. Microsoft Releases Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

by Arie Slob

Hello Windows users,

As part of its ongoing efforts to address current and emerging security threats to computer users, Microsoft today announced two new technology solutions that will provide added protection against spyware and malicious software. Customers now can download the first beta version of Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware, a solution that will help protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. In addition, the Microsoft Windows malicious software removal tool, which complements traditional antivirus technologies by removing prevalent viruses and worms from a PC, will be available beginning January 11, 2005. These solutions build on the advanced security technologies and proactive protection features of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), which help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks.

"Customers have told us that they need solutions that make it easier to keep computers protected from emerging and ever-changing threats," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft. "The solutions we're announcing today will offer customers additional resources to help to protect their PCs against spyware and viruses on an ongoing and predictable basis."

Based on technology acquired from GIANT Company Software Inc. in December 2004, the beta release of Windows AntiSpyware will help reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings and unauthorized use of private information. It is available for Microsoft Windows 2000 and later versions.

Windows AntiSpyware enables customers to do the following:

Detect and remove spyware. Known spyware can be quickly and easily removed from a PC.
Improve Internet browsing safety. Continuous protection guards more than 50 ways Web sites and programs can put spyware on a PC.
Stop the latest threats. Signatures for new spyware identified by the SpyNet (TM) community and Microsoft researchers can be automatically downloaded to a PC, helping to stop new threats quickly.

System Requirements

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
A 300 MHz or faster processor with at least 64 MB of RAM
Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003
At least 10 MB of available free space on your hard disk
Internet access with at least a 28.8 Kbps connection to use SpyNet

More information can be found by visiting the Microsoft Security at Home Web site, or by reading the AntiSpyware FAQ.

You can download the Beta of Microsoft's AntiSpyware from the Microsoft download [6.23 MB] Web site. You can find additional information in the Release Notes.

Important Information

This is pre-release (beta) software distributed for feedback and testing purposes. Microsoft does not provide technical support for beta releases. If Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is causing an issue with your system, Microsoft recommends removing it by using Add or Remove Programs and even using System Restore if the problem persists.

Screenshots:

If you need help fighting Spyware, we have a section devoted to computer security, viruses and Spyware on our WindowsBBS.com Support forum.

Give your comments on this article.

02. Newsletter Changes

First of all: Happy New Year to all of you!

With this first issue of the HelpWithWindows newsletter of 2005, I introduced a few small changes to the layout, which I hope will please you.

Another change that is coming in the near future is that I will start sending the newsletter from our own Web server, instead of using a 3rd party. Sending the newsletter using a 3rd party costs quite a bit of money, and I've got some good experience sending out the RoseCitySoftware newsletter using an "in house" solution.

I just want to let you know that if you are using anti-spam software to add the sender "newsletter@windowsnewsletter@com" to your "allowed" senders list.

I will try to start using the new system for next weeks newsletter.

03. Recommended Web sites

Each month we will feature a few Web sites here, ones which sent us the most visitors to our Web site in the previous month. We would encourage you to visit these popular Web sites yourself!

Here are some sites in the Top 15 for December 2004:

TechRepublic - "Real World, Real Time, Real IT."
Tech Support Guy - Free help for Windows 98, 2000, XP, and more!
Infopackets - Free online Windows Newsletter for new and intermediate computer users.
avast!WEBforum - avast! antivirus software forum.
Hardware Analysis - Computer hardware news, reviews and editorials.

The Top 15 sites are listed on our Web site.

04. Recent Support BBS Postings

Is Standby worth it? - Windows XP
Website headers in IIS - Windows Server System
Computer loses time... - Hardware
Lost my wireless encryption key - Networking

05. Dump Data collection tool and instructions

If you are having trouble with BSOD's (Blue screen errors), and like some help, this tool will collect data from a USER.DMP or a MEMORY.DMP.

More Information & Download

06. Windows XP Tip: Uninstall Windows Messenger

Can't seem to find a way to uninstall Windows Messenger? Well, there is a way.

Read Full Article

07. Windows 98 Tip: Using ScanReg

Another of those enhancements which makes Windows 98 more user friendly is the ScanReg Registry Checker.

Read Full Article

08. Windows Me Tip: Problems running ScanDisk and Defrag

Many people have problems running ScanDisk and/or Defrag, with the program running 10% or 30% and then stalling. Often with a message that Windows is trying to write to the drive.

Read Full Article

09. Free Software: SaverWiz 1.1

SaverWiz is a handy free tool to build your own screensavers in just a few minutes! SaverWiz allows you to create self-contained Windows screen savers using your own pictures in just a few easy steps.

Download [900 KB]
More Information