SpyNet

One of the benefits to Microsoft being solarge, with such a huge install base, is that a
group of people from all over the world called
SpyNet are assisting in finding new spyware and other harmful programs and report-
ing them to Microsoft. SpyNet essentially allows for a voting option on software that
hasnt been categorized as harmful or safe. You will be able to see how other users have
rated the application and what percentage installed it or declined to install it. This gives
users a greater opportunity to be in control of what is installed on their systems at a
much earlier stage than before. If Microsoft sees that people are uninstalling a particu-
lar type of software, it can check it out itself and add that to its definitions of software
that Defender automatically detects.
Vista Masters run in packs sometimes. SpyNet is an optional club (or gang, whichever
makes you feel cooler about participating). You can choose not to be a part of it at all,
or you can choose Basic or Advanced membership by selecting Tools and then SpyNet.
With Basic, Defender sends Microsoft some information regarding software it encoun-
ters on your system that isnt classified. You arent alerted if Defender detects software
or changes made by software that have not been analyzed for risks.
With Advanced, Defender does notify you if it detects software or changes made by
software that have not been analyzed for risks. Windows Defender sends more infor-
mation to SpyNet about spyware discoveries made on your computer, including
filenames and directories, how the software works, and changes that it makes to your
computerinformation that is used to help warn and protect other Windows Defender
users.