Spyware defined

Spyware is malicious software that threatens the security and privacy of computer users. Our customers tell us that they look to Microsoft for powerful solutions to address this serious and growing problem.

Through deceit and trickery, spyware and other potentially unwanted software are installed on a computer without a person’s knowledge or consent. This type of software ranges from unwanted pop-up ads to programs that can record keystrokes or take over a computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can slow computer performance, can change a computer’s configuration, and can reveal passwords and personal information.

The problem is widespread. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software are found on 67 to 80 percent of consumers’ computers, according to 2004 research by IDC and National Cyber Security Alliance. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software cause more than one-third of the program crashes that are reported to Microsoft.

For more information about Windows Defender, and about the spyware issue, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

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Requirements for running Windows Defender

Windows Defender currently is available only in English, Japanese and German. You should not install Windows Defender on computers that are running operating systems in other languages.

The minimum system requirements for Windows Defender are the following:

•	Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or a later version
•	An Intel Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) or higher processor, Pentium III recommended
•	At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM
•	Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 or a later version, or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or a later version
•	20 MB of available hard disk space
•	Internet access with a connection speed of at least 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps)

We recommend that you install the latest service packs and critical updates on your computer before you install Windows Defender . To obtain the latest service packs and critical updates for your computer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

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How to obtain Windows Defender

The public release of Windows Defender is available for download at the following Microsoft Web site:Important note to current users of Giant AntiSpyware If you are a current Giant AntiSpyware user and if you have an active subscription, your paid subscription includes functionality and support features that are not included in Windows Defender. Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep your existing product and to not install Windows Defender. For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:If your subscription to Giant AntiSpyware has expired and if you want to download the Windows Defender software, you must first remove any earlier versions of Giant AntiSpyware. To review the removal procedure, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

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For more information about how to use Windows Defender , visit the following Microsoft Web site: Alternatively, see the Help menu at the top of the main Windows Defender window.

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