AntiSpyware bundled into Vista release
In a move certain to be noticed by regulators and competitors, Microsoft is integrating its standalone AntiSpyware software into Windows Vista. Microsoft confirmed this, says eWeek, as the latest build was released on Monday.
Greg Sullivan, lead Windows product manager said : “The core Windows AntiSpyware functionality gets built in. For unmanaged environments ~ home and small business users ~ we want to provide base-level security services.”
eWeek reports : “The actual anti-spyware code was not included in the second CTP (Community Technology Preview) release of Vista (Build 5213), but visual evidence was found in the ‘Security Center’, a built-in feature that lets users manage settings for security patching, Internet options and the embedded firewall.”
It seems like that really should be a part of the OS and probably should have been for a long time. I’m sure there will be grousing and a great hue and cry will be raised by the security companies who make their living off of Windows shortcomings, but really, in the grand scheme of things, I think Microsoft would be negligent to continue to put out Operating Systems without their own means of protecting themselves.
The simple fact is that a decent Spyware, Anti Virus, and Firewall should be considered a prerequisite for owning a Microsoft operating system. I applaud them for including it, despite what I’m sure will be an ugly battle.