The spyware killer, codenamed Windows Defender, is said to be Microsoft’s antidote to the spyware epidemic that affects more than 80 percent of computers.
Microsoft has touted the new defense mechanism as one of Vista’s flagship offerings and a way to make its users feel “safer and more secure” in a day and age that is rampant with cyber crime.
While Vista’s Windows Defense does not include anti-virus features, it will block and eliminate all spyware infiltrations, according to Microsoft, by constantly scanning for spyware, adware, rootkits and other malicious code. Vista’s Internet Explorer 7 also will block silent installs of malicious code by stopping the browser from writing data anywhere except in a temporary files folder without first seeking permission.
Microsoft has said it expects this feature of Vista to make a large impact on the spyware problem, although analysts have said that the delay time will include not just the time it takes for Microsoft to roll out the new system, but also the time it takes for users to switch from their old operating systems to Vista.
A recent study issued by the FBI states that computer crimes, including damage done by spyware, cost U.S. businesses $67 billion in 2005.
Other new features Vista will come packed with later this year when it debuts include new graphics, a fresh user interface, touch-screen support, parental controls and advanced search features, according to previous reports from Microsoft.