Microsoft is now officially in Beta 2 of its AntiSpyware application complete with a new name: Windows Defender. Having used Microsoft’s software protection since its buyout of Giant Software (the original author of the program), I’ve seen very little changes other than forced software updates due to license expiration. Now I see an entire new interface along with the new name and even a simpler to use setup. On an initial scan of a new system, it seems to speed through its task much more quickly, as well. Could it be that this beta is a vast improvement from the first? Maybe – give me a week or two with it.

What I did fear hasn’t happened in this new beta, however. That fear would be a charge associated with the download. The rumor has long been that, when this leaves beta, it will become a pay-for-use software and that just outright makes me mad. This whole spyware mess is completely Microsoft’s fault and for me to have to pay for its mess is wrong. It’s like Chevy building a truck with poor suspension and then having me pay for the fix. I say Microsoft should be forced to recall Windows and give this to us to use for free. But we’ll see if that even does happen.

For now, protect yourself (for free) and download the latest beta of Windows Defender. While it’s not the one and only protection for spyware, it is a great start. I’d also suggest using Spybot Search and Destroy as well as Ad-Aware by Lavasoft USA (which are both free).

[tags]microsoft,windows defender,antispyware,new beta,cleaner looking,better performance,free forever[/tags]