Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: watchthisspace on January 04, 2005, 01:50:10 AM
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Microsoft have just finished distributing an internal Beta 1 escrow build to internal beta testers. "Atlanta" is the code-name for Microsoft's rehashed GIANT Software Anti-Spyware. In a memo internally, the company looks clear to distribute the software this coming Thursday calling it "new, it's fresh, and it's all good".
Encouraging employees to install the Beta is one of the many ways Microsoft tests Beta products internally. It's not clear whether the release this Thursday will be a public beta or a private external beta.
Check out our exclusive screenshots below.
Update: Microsoft is currently detecting Messenger Plus! as Spyware.
news source and screen shots:
http://www.neowin.net/comments.php?id=26501&category=main (http://www.neowin.net/comments.php?id=26501&category=main)
Sounds like it might be good ;D
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Interesting, will have to see how this one does in real time use. Thanks for the heads up. :)
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Well, MS, again, eating a new slice of the cake...
I think it will be better if Microsoft release a better, more trustable, browser than IE...
You make a hole and then try to close it... :P
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I think it will be better if Microsoft release a better, more trustable, browser than IE...
Yeah that'd be much nicer.
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Hmm looking at the screenshots, in the upper right hand corner is an icon that says Real-Time Protection. Dont know if that is good or bad. Could cause some conflicts?
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They could just attempt to buy Mozilla.
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They could just attempt to buy Mozilla.
Hehehe!! ;D I don't think Mozzila.org would sell it to microsoft :P
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WTS,
I went over the information that is presently available on the MS Anti-spyware program. Actually, I like the clean, simple, user freindly interface. It has the most needed functions and an easy to understand information panel.
Not clear on whether it is free, or how often updates will be available for manual or auto download.
As for Messenger Plus....
MS did not say MP itself was spyware. It warned that it bundles with other programs that ARE spyware. In any case, it pays to be cautions.
My recommendation: Stay with Spyware Blaster and SpywareGuard.
If you want a really nice anti-spyware (resident), try Spyblocker. I still have version 4.75 which was the last freeware. It protects against cookies, spyware, scripts, ads, bugs and worms.
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techie do you have a download link for the 4.75 version?
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WTS,
I like the clean, simple, user freindly interface. It has the most needed functions and an easy to understand information panel.
yes, It's looks really easy to use and understand, and it'l probally be good since people from Giant anti-spyware will be helping in the making of it, and making of updates :)
Hopfully they at least offer a free version of it, and it might be included with future operating systems.Hopfully the BETA for it is a public one :)
It might only be time until Apple release a anti-spyware program ;D
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Looks real easy to use, not sure how much ill like it till i can mess around with the advanced settings, but im sure it will be good.
--lee
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Not clear on whether it is free, or how often updates will be available for manual or auto download.
This is the point for me...
I won't pay for a spyware as we have others free and functional :( :P
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I will be sitting firmly on the fence with this, even though this is a piece of bought in software, we have no idea what MS will have done with it or how it will react/interact with other security software.
Your PC's security is too serious to go installing a BETA product, let others be the guinea pigs, wait for the reviews and reports to come out; unless you are prepared deal with the consequences of a conflict (no point whining then).
The product was a paid for product previously and I don't see M$'s generosity of heart releasing this for free (hopefully I will be wrong here). Why be an unpaid BETA tester for MS when, you don't even know if the end product will be freeware or paid for.
You have to ask yourself, do I need this? have I got a problem with my existing anti-spyware software, available on freeware?
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Microsoft is currently detecting Messenger Plus! as Spyware
Technicly speaking it is malware so it should be detected as such.
It is nice that MS finally is giving the people a way to remove malware. If it will be freeware that would even be nicer. If we have to pay for it, I would say "NO THANKS". We already have ad-aware, spybot s&d, HijackThis and some other real good ones and all freeware.
Will it add anything to the excisting (freeware) applications? I doubt it. The main thing is detecting and removing malware. A job that already is handled real good by the excisting applications.
My advice:
If you have to pay for it. Don't !!!!
If it is freeware, give it a try. But remember there is no application that will detect/remove all malware. So you still need to use others along with the one from MS.
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It might only be time until Apple release a anti-spyware program Grin
I didn't think Macs needed one.. .:P
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It might only be time until Apple release a anti-spyware program Grin
I didn't think Macs needed one.. .:P
Correct, there is no spyware for OS X at this point. But thats not to say that there wont be any in the future.
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This takes all..... :P
The program, with monthly updates, is a step toward plans by Microsoft to sell full-blown antivirus software later this year.
Microsoft said that starting Thursday, consumers can download the new security program from the company's Web site www.microsoft.com and that updated versions will be offered automatically and free each month.
Also being offered is a free program to remove "spyware," a category of irritating programs that secretly monitor the activities of Internet users and can cause sluggish computer performance or popup ads.
Microsoft said the virus-removal program will not prevent computer infections and was never intended to replace the need for traditional antivirus software, such as flagship products from McAfee Inc. or Symantec Corp.
But a senior Microsoft executive confirmed the company's plans to sell its own antivirus software, which would compete against programs from McAfee, Symantec and others.
Microsoft purchased a Romanian antivirus firm, GeCAD Software Srl., for an undisclosed amount in 2003. Industry rivals expect Microsoft's formal entry into the market as early as the spring.
Their also thinking about coming out with a new and improved lawn mower in the summer..... ;D
With their track record for security holes, I don't think I would trust their "security programs"....
but let's give them a fair evaluation.
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Beta 1 was released today.
this is Giant Antispyware - bought out and repackaged as MS. :)
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Microsoft Antispyware Beta now available for download at microsoft.com. Going to give it a try tonight.
PigDog
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There is another thread running in General:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=10152.0
Does anyone think we should merge them into one?
Let me know and I can do so.
:)
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Correct, there is no spyware for OS X at this point.
If there isn't, than why are there spyware removers for OS X?
It wouldn't make sense to write a application to remove something that doesn't excist, now would it....?
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Full scans with Ad-aware and Spybot S&D show a clean system.
MS Anti-Spyware show Grokster and Searchsquire.
No way of outputting a log as far as I can tell, so here's a screen dump.
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Great program, so far. I've had absolutely no trouble with it and the privacy eraser, process viewer and activeX viewer are really nice add-ons. I'm impressed, MS has done something right for once.
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It has got a load of good features including a script blocker. I can't imagine it'll remain free for long. Just long enough to to get users away from Ad-aware and Spybot I reckon, but maybe that's just the cynic in me talking.
PigDog
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Full scans with Ad-aware and Spybot S&D show a clean system.
MS Anti-Spyware show Grokster and Searchsquire.
No way of outputting a log as far as I can tell, so here's a screen dump.
Yes, it found SearchSquire and onother adware, along with a trojan downloader on my PC! I quarantined them, in case they are FP's.
It has got a load of good features including a script blocker. I can't imagine it'll remain free for long. Just long enough to to get users away from Ad-aware and Spybot I reckon, but maybe that's just the cynic in me talking.
PigDog
In the Terms, it writes that you can use it until the end of July or until a "commercial"
version is available (whatever that means!).
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The program, with monthly updates, is a step toward plans by Microsoft to sell full-blown antivirus software later this year.
Microsoft said that starting Thursday, consumers can download the new security program from the company's Web site www.microsoft.com and that updated versions will be offered automatically and free each month.
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Microsoft said the virus-removal program will not prevent computer infections and was never intended to replace the need for traditional antivirus software, such as flagship products from McAfee Inc. or Symantec Corp.
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So, if I understood correctly, where can we download the Antivirus from?
(Not the antispyware, I found that one).
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From what I understand, the download will be available on the Microsoft website.
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Since the merge, this is now posted twice. ;D
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The BIG question is WHAT is meant by Antivirus here. According to the original MS press release (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/jan05/01-06NewSolutionsPR.asp), they speak about Malicious Software Removal Tool which is much more similar to avast! Cleaner than to the full blown antivirus product ??
We will know more in the future ;)
Pavel
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I've just finished installing the program.
While I did the Install and my first Quick Scan, I took a lot of screen shots which goes
thru the entire install and scan process. also some shots of the various settings.
Any one interested in following a slideshow, please take a look HERE (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bob03160/slideshow?.dir=/5802&.src=ph)
You might want to set the speed of the slideshow to slow which will make it easyer to follow.
By the way, there is another thread in the Off-Topic Forum on this same subjec.
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It seems to be very good, even though some the processors are names Giantantispy... ;D
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Pavel,
I agree with your comment. From what research I could find, they are planning to come out with their own antivirus product to compete with some of the big guys like McAfee and Symantec, thus it makes sense that this "freebie" would not be a full blown AV product.
Another user reported something on the MS Anti-spyware Beta that it could only be used till July or until the "commercial" product was released.
MS is at it again.! ::)
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Techie yea it says the Beta version Expires July 31, 2005 :(
Microsoft AntiSpyware Version: 1.0.501
This version expires on: 7/31/2005
Current User: Mac
Spyware Definition Version: 5678 (1/5/2005 7:47:59 PM)
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Mac,
Thank you. Yes, it figures that MS would not give away much for free.
The Antispyware will go "payware" for sure, and the Antivirus is only a cleaner at best.
We have all we need now. ;D .....Avast and Spyblocker!
;)
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Mac,
Thank you. Yes, it figures that MS would not give away much for free.
The Antispyware will go "payware" for sure, and the Antivirus is only a cleaner at best.
We have all we need now. ;D .....Avast and Spyblocker!
;)
Yes Avast and spybloacker are a great combo
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Mac,
Thank you. Yes, it figures that MS would not give away much for free.
The Antispyware will go "payware" for sure, and the Antivirus is only a cleaner at best.
We have all we need now. ;D .....Avast and Spyblocker!
;)
Yes Avast and spybloacker are a great combo
Too bad it will go Payware it is not that bad of a program
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I'd laugh and get a fright @ the same time if Microsoft at the last minute decided to make it a freeware program ;D
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Well, I downloaded the Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta. Did a FULL system scan in 6 mins, 29 secs. Found 3 items. (2) Adware programs at the "Elevated" level, (1) item, a Browser Plug-In, Moderate level. These items were not found by my other Spyware programs I have such as Ad-Aware SE, SpyBot S&D, Spyware Blaster. I deleted them. Will continue to monitor the program for efficiency.
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Neal
What were the 3 items it found? I bet one was Searchsquire.
PigDog
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On my system it found one of them ;D
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PigDog, Well actually what was found on my pc was 1. Brilliant Digital, (Adware) Elevated importance, 2. MyWay Search Bar (Browser Plug-In) Moderate Importance, then 3. Search Squire (Adware) Elevated importance. HTH. :)
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It would be interesting to see if anyting would be picked up on Non-IE default browser systems (like forefox, opera, etc.), because this looks like it only checks IE browsers (and IE based clones).
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Only eDonkey2000 reg values detected on my PC (although i'm using only eMule).
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@Neal -
The Brilliant Digital is a false positive. What I mean is I bet you have Irfanview installed ;D
Irfan view handle "body paint 3d" files which has a B3D extension - and has nothing to do with Brilliant Digital -
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RejZor, you're still in New Year's mood... Santa's hat won't come off ? Sticked to sheep head pretty hard, ha ? ;D
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Found Searchsquire in my registry.
I wonder how that got there?
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Toadbee, as a matter of fact I do have Irfanview ;D installed.
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;D Sorry Neal - If I had more time here I would have posted my general opinion of
Only Quarentine!!! With this here tool!
:D
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The Searchsquire registry entry being picked up is not the same one that other Spyware programs use to identify it. That one is not present on my system.
Don't know if this is a false positive also.
PigDog
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toadbee
Selecting removal of Brilliant Digital doesn't seem to have affected Irfanview. ???
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I'm guessing all it did was remove the "open file type" preference from pointing to Irfanview.
But I've never scene a B3D file in my life so you should be fine.
If you want to check it out - try going into Irfanview --> options --> set file associations an see if
"BD3" is now deselected. Try reassociating it with Irfanview and run another scan.
(even if it is selected, i would unselect and reselect)
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The B3d file WAS still selected.
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Ran another full scan and this time Brilliant Digital wasn't detected. :)
I deselected B3D and reselected that option before running this last full scan.
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@Neal -
Well - I'm certain its an FP - just not sure how/where/and why Irfanview is putting the references to B3D in the registry.
Here is what you cleaned off ;)
BrilliantDigital Adware more information...
Details: BrilliantDigital provides the ability for adware to be displayed using multimedia methods.
Status: Ignored
Elevated threat - Elevated threats are usually threats that fall into the range of adware in which data about a user's habits are tracked and sent back to a server for analysis without your consent or knowledge.
Infected registry keys/values detected
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.b3d
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.b3d IrfanView.b3d
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HERE's (http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/index.php/archives/2005/01/06/microsoft-anitspyware-first-impression/) another review.
I like what the author of the review said:
"My suggestion / plan? Stop using any other antispyware programs for two
weeks, making sure Microsoft AntiSpyware is active the whole time. Then,
run your regular programs. If they find anything MS-AS missed, keep `em.
Otherwise, we've got a new front-runner on our hands." ;D
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Filetype : B3D
3D Builder
BDE Multipath Movie Digital Viewer
Blitz3D Texture or Mesh File (Blitz Research Ltd.)
Boso View Express Structure Mesh Diagram (Mackoy)
During installation I selected
- not to schedule any scan
- not to load when windows starts
Still both where enabled in the options.
I also noticed it only "removes" tracks from MS products, not from any other. And even for the MS products it did a horrible job. I still could find many things which the application claimed that it had them removed.
Sofar I would say there is still a lot of work to do for MS on this application.
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Regarding SearchSquire.
I think I have discovered the cause for this.
Run Spybot search n destroy
immunize IE
close spybot
run microsoft anti spyware
remove searchsquire
now run spybot and click on immunize. Spybot will say that 1 product can be immunized.
The registry key being picked up by microsoft antispyware is created by spybot s&d as part of its imunization process.
BooHoo!
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Duke
I just tried to take the Searchsquire object out of quaratine due to your last post and it won't work. Some areas of the software are now telling me it's still quaratined and others are saying nothing is quaratined. I've given up trying to sort it out now.
Anyone else having problems with the quarantine process??
PigDog
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Just run spybot s&d and immunize your system again to put the registry entry back.
edit: i quarantined searchsquire and was able to un-quarantine it.
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I already did mention some issues. Now I found some more.
Even if you have it disabled in the options. MS-AntiSpyware still places itself resident as soon as you start it. If you close it, it still stays resident.
Also removing it is a lot of work. Not only doesn't it remove all files, it also leaves 34(!) unneeded registry keys behind which you need to remove manually or with a decent registry cleaner.
My honest opinion about this beta version:
It still needs tons of work before it is something we really can use in a decent way.
The question also remains..... Will the final version still be free?
At the moment I would say: Stay with Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D and HijackThis and drop the MS one.
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I have been using Microsoft AntiSpyware for a month now and am very impressed with this program. It is actually a Giant program that Microsoft bought and tweaked. I ran Adaware & Spybot before downloading this program and they found nothing. Immediately after running the Microsoft program, it found 2 pieces of spyware. It has so many features they are too numerous to mention. I have found it to be a stable program that does more than most antispyware programs and have found no problems with it. I suspect this will not stay a free program. Does Microsoft ever give stuff away? I hope it will but am doubtful. If I remember correctly we will know after the beta testing is over in July.
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mailman
I don't know if you've read the entire thread but, all of your questions about this program have already been answered in here.