Microsoft changes anti-spyware name in Vista OS preview

20.12.2005
Microsoft Corp.'s December Community Technology Preview (CTP) for the Windows Vista client OS features a renamed version of the company's anti-spyware software. Announced on Monday, the December CTP, known as build 5270, will reach about 500,000 people through avenues such as the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet, according to the company.

The company cited security, performance and mobility as key themes of the CTP, which is available Monday on MSDN and TechNet.

"We are on a path to be code-complete by the end of 2005," said Shanen Boettcher, Microsoft senior director in the company's Windows client group. A code-complete CTP is expected in early 2006, with the general release version of Vista set for the second half of next year.

With the December CTP, Windows AntiSpyware has been renamed Windows Defender. It features improved detection and removal of spyware and malware as well as a redesigned user interface, Boettcher said. Microsoft describes the anti-spyware offering in the December CTP as a functioning early preview of what will be in the final version.

Also offered in the CTP is BitLocker Drive Encryption, formerly known as full-volume encryption. It provides hardware-based data protection to address the issue of data being accessed from lost or stolen machines. The entire Windows system volume is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

Users of the new CTP can apply Group Policy to block installation of removable storage drives.