Microsoft Releases AntiSpyware Program
Nathan Weinberg writes "Microsoft released this morning Microsoft AntiSpyware, the product of last month's acquisition of GIANT. As I write in my report on my site, the program is very powerful, and certainly measures up to and may even beat Spybot and Ad-Aware. However, it's also pretty buggy, and Microsoft might have already sneaked in a pay subscription service."
This is just scary:
1. Release buggy browser
2. Sell antispyware software
3. Profit?
Direct and indirect download links
Well, let's hope this program will be free for all people who are plagued with IE hijaking programs. With patches so slowly coming, this might be a good PR for Microsoft who is taking some hard hits from critics.
Some call me Howie Feltersnatch
Expire? Why should it expire if it is free?
Because it's a Beta. Most Microsoft Betas expire.
- AMW
It is just Giant rebranded with a few things missing(which I assume is just because it is in beta). Giant was a very good anti-spyware program so I expect the MS rebrand will be just the same.
The real question will just be how much effort MS puts into keeping the definitions and program updated as new types of spyware come down the pipeline. As effective as the program is right now, it is how effective it will remain in the ever changing world of spyware that is what really matters.
No beta will answer that question, only the test of time will. But, this is just Giant rebranded and it is a very solid platform, which is why MS bought it in the first place.
You are who you are, let no one tell you different. But, never close your mind to a new point of view.
With the threat of people jumping ship to another OS, MS may make back their money by just keeping their customers?