How to Use the Windows Defender Feature of Vista

Spyware and other invasive software can perform tasks and collect information from you without your consent. You can use the Windows Defender Feature of Vista to alert you when these types of software try to invade you computer. The Windows Defender Feature will also check for updates and regularly scan you computer to isolate and remove viruses and spyware. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Windows Vista
• Windows Defender (comes with Vista)
• Administrative password (if necessary)

1. Open Windows Defender. Click the "Start" button and select "Windows Defender" from the Program files.
2. Turn on Windows Defender. Open the "Tools" menu at the top of your screen and select "Options" In the "Administrative Options" menu. Check the box that says "Use Windows Defender." Click the "Save" button.
3. Scan for spyware on your computer. When you open Windows Defender, you'll see a button that says "Scan" with a drop-down menu next to it. Click the "Scan" button to perform a "Quick Scan" of the most likely locations for spyware. Or, you can open the drop-down menu and select "Full Scan," "Custom Scan" or "Advanced Scan."
4. Choose to ignore or quarantine spyware or malicious software. After Windows Defender performs a scan, select "Quarantine" to isolate spyware or to remove it later. If the software has been incorrectly deemed harmful, select "Ignore" to let it run as normal.
5. View your quarantined items by opening the "Tools" menu and clicking "Quarantined Items." Click the "Remove" or the "Remove All" button to delete the quarantined item permanently. You can also release an item from quarantine by clicking the "Restore" button.
6. Use Windows Defender real-time protection to constantly monitor your computer for invasions of unwanted software. From the "Tools" menu, click "Options." Select "Real-time Protection Options." Choose "Use Real-time Protection."
7. Enable Windows Defender to automatically check for updates to virus and spyware definitions. From the "Tools" menu, click "Options." Check the "Automatically Scan My Computer" check box under the heading "Automatic Scanning."

Tips & Warnings

• If you're scanning for spyware you can view the progress of the scan by clicking the "Windows Defender" icon on the far right side of the Vista taskbar.
• You can check for updates for virus and spyware definitions manually instead of automatically. Open Windows Defender and click the arrow button next to the "Help" button, or the question mark. Select "Check For Definitions."
• If you've set up an administrative password, you may be prompted to enter it at various points throughout the process.
• Only restore items from a quarantined list if you're sure they're harmless. You should not restore any high or severe alert quarantined files.

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