We (and many others) have a very low opinion of Microsoft's entry into the anti-spyware application arena. Fact is, it's a very poor anti-spyware program. It doesn't detect thousands of threats that many other (and better) anti-spyware programs detect. But, it comes with every version of Windows Vista. But wait, before you uninstall it, it does have one feature that you might like, but probably wouldn't use unless it was pointed out to you - that's what we're doing in this tip - pointing out the only saving grace of Windows Defender.

What is it you ask? It's called Software Explorer and it's a dandy application if you want to control those out-of-control startup applications. You know, the ones that start with Windows, run in the background, and use up valuable resources, sometimes for no reason at all? True, some applications must run at start up (like Microsoft system processes and some services; your anti-spyware (hopefully you have more than Windows Defender to protect you), your anti-virus, your third-party firewall (if you have one), and other software you feel that you want to start with Windows. We, for instance, like our own CalendarPal to start with Windows. We like to have our weather forecasts, calendars, reminders, and weather alerts available at all times. Perhaps you can think of applications that you need or want to start with Windows. Just be careful you don't allow too many to start with Windows - or you can expect reduced performance.

Here's how to use Vista's Windows Defender to learn more about those programs that are starting with Windows and disable them (or even remove them from your startup list altogether if you want to).

Click the Windows logo button (formerly known as the "Start button") and find Windows Defender in the list and click it to open the program.

Click "Tools" and then click on "Software Explorer" - Make sure you click "Show for all users" (at the bottom)

Notice in the image above that "Startup Programs is selected next to Category. You can highlight any application in the left pane and read detailed information about it in the right pane. You can then choose to remove the application from your startup list altogether or disable it (keep it from starting with Windows).

While Windows Defender is a poor choice for anti-spyware protection, this feature alone makes it worth having. It gives you detail information on many programs which are starting up with Windows, so you can make an informed choice as to whether to allow it to start with Windows or not.

Also, not shown in the image above (due to space restrictions here) there is another button that says "Enable" - just in case you want something that is not currently starting with Windows to startup with Windows.