Idle speculation on Windows Defender and Morro

I’ve been digging deep into Windows 7’s version of Windows Defender, and come to the conclusion that Microsoft is hiding it for a reason.

Consider: Windows Defender used to appear on the start menu. In Windows 7, to find it you either have to list the Control Panel programs individually, or you have to type defe in the Search box.

Windows Defender used to have a good blocker for auto-starting programs. The version in Windows 7 doesn’t have the “Software Explorer.”

Windows Defender used to sit in the notification area – the system tray down near the time.

My guess is that Microsoft has already decided to turn Windows Defender into an orphan. And the most likely beneficiary is the program that also inherits the Windows Live OneCare mantle: the promised (but not yet announced) Morro antivirus program.

I wonder…

Malicious Software Removal Tool is always OK

Reader DS wrote to ask if it’s OK to install Microsoft’s latest Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Far as I’m concerned, Microsoft has never messed up an MSRT. You should install it as soon as one is offered.

Same goes for Windows Defender updates, and for updates to the Outlook Junk Mail Filter. All three are OK, all the time.