- Enhanced performance through a new scanning engine.
- Streamlined, simplified user interface and alerts.
- Improved control over programs on your computer using enhanced Software Explorer.
- Multiple language support with globalization and localization features.
- Protection technologies for all users, whether or not they have administrator rights on the computer.
- Support for assistive technology for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
- Support for Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
- Automatic cleaning according to your settings during regularly scheduled scans.
You’ll see that the MS burb says it supports x64. Well, I ran it in beta on x64 and it brought my machine to it’s knees. Mark Russinovich reported a similar experience soon after his laptop joined the Microsoft network. Maybe this has been fixed. *fingers crossed*
I was very impressed with it on x64, especially the Internet Explorer fixing function. It compared well with other products, sometimes it caught things they didn’t and vice versa.
If you don’t have an anti spyware solution now then this free option might be for you. Forefront Client Security will include this engine when it goes live (around April next year). This corporate solution will likely include mangement from a central console and possibly via Group Policy. I hoping to get on the beta program which has started on a limited basis.
You can see a comparison of the various anti-malware solutions from Microsoft on their website.
One thing I do like about Defender … it uses Automatic Updates to its definitions. This will be a bandwidth saver for those who install it on company networks. It also simplifies your distribution mechanism. This will make it a viable solution for those who want to run it along side a cheap or free AV product.