Microsoft Safety Scanner
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Original author(s) | Microsoft Corporation |
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Initial release | 12 April 2011 |
Operating system | Windows 7; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista; Windows XP[1] |
Platform | IA-32 and x86-64[2][a] |
Size | 70 Megabyte[2] |
Available in | 56 languages[2][b] |
Type | Virus scanner |
License | Freeware but only for software developers[3] |
Website | www |
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free disposable virus scanner similar to Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool which can be used to scan a system for computer viruses and other forms of malware. This program was released on 15 April 2011, following the discontinuation of Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner.[4]
Microsoft Safety Scanner is not meant to be used as a day-to-day tool, since it does not provide real-time protection against viruses, cannot update its virus definitions and expires after ten days. On the other hand, it can be run on a computer which already has an antivirus product without any potential interference. Therefore, it can be used to scan a computer where there is a potential infection and the user wants a second check from another antivirus.[5] It uses the same detection engine and malware definitions that Microsoft Security Essentials and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection use.[6][7]
As of 24 July 2011[update], Microsoft Safety Scanner's end-user license agreement only seems to allow this program to be used for software development purposes.[3]
Notes
References
- ^ "System Requirements". Microsoft Safety Scanner website. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
- ^ a b c "Microsoft Safety Scanner". Microsoft Safety Scanner website. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
- ^ a b "MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS MICROSOFT SAFETY SCANNER 1.0". Microsoft Safety Scanner website. Microsoft Corporation. Archived from the original on 2011-04-22. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS. You may install and use one copy of the software on your device to design, develop and test your programs.
- ^ "Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner finally discontinued". LiveSide.Net. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
- ^ Nick Peers, Nick (16 April 2011). "Microsoft Safety Scanner (64-bit version) 1.0.3001.0". PC Advisor. IDG. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
- ^ "Presenting... the Microsoft Safety Scanner". Microsoft Malware Protection Center. Microsoft Corporation. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
- ^ Introducing Microsoft Antimalware Technologies. Microsoft Corporation. 22 June 2010. p. 9. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
Further reading
- "Anti-virus to go: Microsoft makes portable anti-virus tool available to download". The H Security. Heise Media UK Ltd. 19 April 2011. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
- Peers, Nick (17 April 2011). "Microsoft Safety Scanner detects and removes threats without installation". PC & Tech Authority. Haymarket Media. Retrieved 20 April 2011.
- Brinkmann, Martin (14 April 2011). "Microsoft Safety Scanner, Free On-Demand Virus Scanner". ghacks.net. Retrieved 20 April 2011.