Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta): a first look

Kai Schmerer ZDNet Germany

Published: 11 Jan 2005

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Download & installation
At the moment, you can download and install the AntiSpyware program without registering it. However, with later versions, registration could become obligatory, so that users without a valid licence will not be able to use the program.

The 6.4MB program runs under Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003, according to Microsoft. We installed AntiSpyware on three test systems without problems. The program even runs under current Release Candidate 1 (Build 1289) of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. If you already have the Giant version of AntiSpyware, however, Microsoft's beta version will not install: you'll have to uninstall the Giant program before replacing it with Microsoft's version.

During installation, you must agree to the licence conditions. Since most users do not read the license conditions, it is clearly pointed out that you can only use the current beta version until 31 July 2005. If Microsoft should offer a commercial product before this date, the license for this beta version will expire.

After installation, the program occupies about 14MB of hard disk space. Microsoft AntiSpyware comprises three components: two modules (gcasDtServ.exe and gcasServ.exe) operate in the background, while the main program is GIANTAntiSpywareMain.exe. Together these components use about 27MB of RAM.

• Introduction



• Download & installation



• Performance



• Conclusion

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