Microsoft Safety Scanner
Encyclopedia
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 virus
es and other forms of malware
. This program was released on 15 April 2011, following the discontinuation of Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
.
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. It uses the same detection engine and malware definitions that Microsoft Security Essentials and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection use.
, Microsoft Safety Scanner's end-user license agreement only seems to allow this program to be used for software development
purposes.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
disposable virus scanner similar to Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a freely-distributed virus removal tool developed by Microsoft for the Microsoft Windows operating system. First released on January 13, 2005, it is an on-demand anti-virus tool that scans the computer for specific widespread malware and tries to...
which can be used to scan a system for computer virus
Computer virus
A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...
es and other forms of malware
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming that is designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, or gain unauthorized access to system resources, or that otherwise exhibits abusive behavior...
. This program was released on 15 April 2011, following the discontinuation of Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner was an online scanning, PC cleanup, and diagnosis service to help remove of viruses, spyware/adware, and other malware...
.
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. It uses the same detection engine and malware definitions that Microsoft Security Essentials and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection use.
, Microsoft Safety Scanner's end-user license agreement only seems to allow this program to be used for software development
Software development
Software development is the development of a software product...
purposes.