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Microsoft AntiSpyware Renamed To Windows Defender

"We expect Windows Defender to appear in the next Windows Vista Community Technology Preview"

Microsoft's AntiSpyware was renamed to "Windows Defender", packed with a new look and more features such as detection of keystroke loggers and rootkit detection.

Windows Defender will be shipped with the upcoming Windows Vista, which is expected by the end of next year. The program will also be released for Windows XP users as an update to Windows AntiSpyware.

The program will primarily protect PCs against spyware, which is malicious software that is installed on a computer and monitors the user's activity without his or her consent or knowledge.

The update mechanism for Windows Defender was also changed to use Windows Update rather than its own separate tool.

"We expect Windows Defender to appear in the next Windows Vista Community Technology Preview release," a Microsoft representative said.

The Windows XP version of Windows Defender will be available as a beta once their next version will be launched.

"The timing for Beta 2 has not been determined. The internal goal for us is Dec. 31, but that is flexible," the representative said.