Download and Installation
If the current Windows Defender (Beta Two) bugs don’t scare you away, and you still want to go ahead and install Windows Defender, you’re in luck.  Installation is relatively easy and if you follow these simple instructions, you shouldn’t run into any problems.  But first, one’s computer must meet the minimum requirements before attempting to install Windows Defender.

The recommended minimum system requirements are as follows:

• Intel Pentium III Processor or higher (or AMD equivalent)


• Windows 2000 SP4 or Windows XP SP2 or Windows 2003 Server SP1


• 128 Megabytes of RAM (Random Access Memory)


• 20 Megabytes of free, available hard drive space


• Internet access (to download Windows Defender)

Before being able to install Windows Defender, the user has to first download it from Microsoft’s website.
Download Windows Defender Here.

Microsoft firmly requires that, before downloading software from their site, the intended user validates that they are running a genuine version of their Operating System (OS).  To perform the validation, click “Continue” and then after being redirected to a new page, click “Continue” again.  You will be prompted to download a file called “GenuineCheck.exe” and after doing so, run GenuineCheck and copy the validation number the program gives you into Step 2 on the webpage.  Finally, click “Validate” and you will be brought to a new page on which you will able to download Windows Defender.  I know, it is a long and seemingly pointless process to validate one’s OS before allowing them to download software, but the Microsoft gang must have their reasons.

Now, for the installation process.

• First, run the Windows Defender installer which was downloaded from Microsoft’s website.


• A window will automatically open, which describes Windows Defender. Click “Next” to proceed with the installation.


• The user will now be displayed the Windows Defender License Agreement, which one may read if they so choose.  Select “I accept the terms in the license agreement” and then click “Next”.


• Now, it is time to decide between joining Microsoft SpyNet and downloading the definitions, or simply downloading the definitions.  There is also an option to do neither, however I highly recommend downloading the latest definitions.  The point of installing Windows Defender is to help stay protected against and removing spyware, thus it only makes sense to have the latest and greatest protection available.


• Choose between installing the Complete Package or Custom installing. For simplicity’s sake, I went with installing the Complete Package. Then, click “Next”.


• Lastly, click “Install” and Windows Defender will begin installing.  The installation process itself will vary in length depending on the hardware of the computer which Windows Defender is being installed onto.  For me, it took a mere 10 seconds, but for others it could drag on into a couple of minutes, so wait patiently.


• Once complete, click “Finish” and Windows Defender will be up and running.

Configuration and Operation of Windows Defender
Alright, now that Windows Defender is up and running, it would be a good time to demonstrate how to configure and operate this nifty little program.  In this section, I will detail how to run a Quick or Full Scan and show where to set up scheduled scanning times, and how to use the software controls to manage various Windows services and Start up programs.

Choosing a scan mode, either Quick or Full, is very simple.  All you need to do is left-click on the small arrow next to the “Scan” button and an option box will drop down.  Then, click on either Quick Scan or Full Scan, and the scan will automatically start.  Obviously, Quick Scan is going to be faster than a full scan, as it is coded to only scan the most common areas where spyware exists. Full Scan will browse your entire drive, and consequentially will take longer to finish.

There is also an option for a Custom Scan, in which the user may specify which areas he/she would like Windows Defender to scan.  However, in most cases, I recommend using the Full Scan option, as it provides the largest possibility of detecting spyware.

Under the “Tools” menu, there are a plethora of other options ranging from scheduled scanning times to accessing the Software Explorer, which is used to monitor and control currently running programs, startup programs, and other services.  I will list and explain the various features next.

General Settings:

• Ability to enable / disable automatic scanning, as well as specify the day, time, and style of the scan.


• Configure how Windows Defender reacts towards threats of different levels and how Windows Defender notifies the user when system changes have been made.


• Functions to manage which Real Time Protection agents you want to run on your PC and which ones you don’t.  Though, it is recommended to leave all agents Enabled.


• Advanced scanning options, where the user may choose to exclude certain files or file paths from being scanned and enable scanning of archives.

Microsoft SpyNet:

• Allows the user to change their association with Microsoft SpyNet between not being a member, being a basic member, or being an advanced member.

Software Explorer:

• Full control over Startup Programs, allowing the user to configure which applications automatically run at startup and which applications don’t.  Be careful, though, as there are various applications which should be left in the startup list to maintain stability.


• Detailed classification of currently running programs, and the ability to terminate certain applications.  This is similar to using task manager, but Windows Defender provides the user with more information about the running programs and files.


• Details on Network Connected Programs, and the ability to terminate various non-Microsoft connections.  This tool can be especially helpful if keeping tabs on which programs are connecting to external locations and which aren’t.


• List of Winsock Service Providers and information on each individual provider. Winsock Service Providers are programs (or processes), which are needed in order for other programs (the ones you use) to operate correctly.  And, for this reason, the user may only view information on a provider.

Other Features / Tools:

• List of Quarantine Items and the ability to permanently remove them or restore them to their original and working location.


• List of Allowed Items.  If the user removes an allowed item from this list, Defender will once again start to monitor it, however if an application is on the list, then Windows Defender does not monitor it.

Windows Defender also offers a comprehensive Help section, which I highly recommend using if the user runs into an issue or desires step-by-step instructions on how to complete tasks such as removing items from the Quarantine List.  To access Windows Defender’s Help section, click on the question mark, which lies to the right of the tools button.

Conclusion
Overall, Windows Defender (Beta Two) looks to be a promising spyware removal and real time protection software from Microsoft.  A few bugs and known issues make Windows Defender slightly intimidating, but it is still ‘Beta’ and under development.  I would recommend trying out Windows Defender; who knows, maybe it will detect a strain of spyware hidden on your computer that no other AntiSpyware program detected.  I give Windows Defender an 8.5/10 and I am very impressed with the highly detailed Software Explorer.  Like I said, give Defender a try, maybe you will like it too.

I hope you enjoyed this article, and, if you choose to download and install Windows Defender, I hope you enjoy it also.  If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please leave them here at PCMechanic or email me at rsp124712[at]gmail.com.