Windows AntiSpyware becomes ‘Defender’: I know that many jokes will ensue, but this is a pretty good product.
Microsoft is giving Windows AntiSpyware a makeover.
The tool, designed to protect PCs against hidden software, has been renamed “Windows Defender” and is getting a new look as well as capabilities to detect rootkits, keystroke loggers and other threats.
They’re going to build it into Windows Vista.
New name flap for Microsoft -- but this time its legal right is clear: Microsoft recently announced they would rename their Anti-Spyware product to "Windows Defender." However, a developer in Australia was already using that name for his software. His software wasn't active (he has stopped developing it a…
The Big Picture is a Flash-based mapping system CNet is using to relate news stories to each other. It's embedded in the news story interface (I found it when making the last post), or you can make it full screen. Here's a link to it in full-screen for a news…
What's there to joke about?
They’re going to build it into Windows Vista.
Which will be renamed Aladdin's Castle. Defender will in fact be a subset of the current antispyware tool, working in concert with other components broken out of the existing tool. These will include Windows Zaxxon, which will continually "fly above" data storage space, searching for such threats which may lay dormant on your drives, Windows Galaxian, which interdicts such rogue packets that may "swoop down" through network interface "space", and, of course, Windows Robotron, which will drift through operating memory and "blast" "hostile" processes.
In addition, Microsoft intends to make a sweeping change to the current validation process currently in place for the convenience of it's customers, introducing a revolutionary approach to Digital Rights Management based on the concept of user-purchased "tokens."
To ensure that no user need doubt that they are, in fact, behaving ethically, Microsoft will offer the opportunity for users to purchase tokens for each application launch, file creation, media access, and internet session. While each token can be used for only one task, users will be able to execute that task three times before the token expires, or, alternatively perform that task for a set period of time.
Tokens can be purchased by the user either online or through a new peripheral device which will be available through authorized distributors. This device, the Microsoft Coin Slot, will give customers the chance to purchase five tokens for one US quarter.
Microsoft is also considering the possibility of installing kiosks in urban retail environments, offering convenient access throughout the United States and Canada.
That was friggin' hilarious.
That was awesome. Major props.
