How to enable/disable Microsoft AntiSpyware Realtime Protection
"Windows AntiSpyware provides continuous protection by guarding more than 50 ways Web sites and programs can put spyware on a PC. If known spyware is detected at these security "checkpoints," it will be blocked. If an unknown program is detected at a checkpoint, intelligent notifications ask the user to determine whether to let the program continue. The following types of agents monitor the security checkpoints:
Internet agents: These agents help protect against spyware that makes unauthorized connections to the Internet or changes a PC's Internet settings such as dial-up or wireless connectivity.
System agents: These agents help protect against spyware that makes unauthorized changes to the PC, such as changing password settings, security permissions, or other critical system settings.
Application agents: These agents help protect against spyware that makes changes to applications, such as modifying Internet Explorer by adding an unwanted toolbar, automatically downloading Internet Explorer add-ons from the Internet, or starting potentially unwanted programs when the PC is turned on". Spyware solutions: Technology and leadership
MS Anti-Spyware provides an option to activate the security agents during the installation process. If you had opted not to enable real-time protection at that time, now you can do so from the program interface.
To enable or disable Microsoft Antispyware real time protection (security agents):
Open MS Antispyware, click Settings on the Options menu.
In the left pane, click Real-Time Protection to view options for activating or deactivating Real-Time Protection.
Checkmark the two options Enable the Microsoft AntiSpyware Security Agents on startup (recommended) and Enable real time spyware threat protection (recommended) to activate/enable protection.
Uncheck the same two options de-activate/disable real-time protection.
Click the Alerts on the left pane to configure how the program alerts you when it blocks or allows a change.
All the availble options are checkmarked by default and it is recommended to be left that way, unless you are annoyed by the constant pop-up message notifications.
You can also disable the real-time protection by right clicking on the MS AntiSpyware icon on the systray and selecting Security Agents status (Enabled) and clicking on Disable Real-time protection.
Click here to go to Microsoft Antispyware Tutorial.
