I’m beginning to lose count of how many times I mention adware and spyware in this column. Everyone with a computer should know by now they need to prevent this unwanted privacy-invading software.

Well, good news for Windows users. Microsoft is getting into the game and the hope is that they will make it part of Windows Update. You’ll have to download it yourself for now from the Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) site.

“According to a recent study by AOL and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, spyware infects 80% of computers.”

Microsoft wasted little time releasing the new software after buying anti-spyware vendor Giant Software Company back in mid-December. Microsoft is also offering a new tool to remove malicious programs.

Spyware/adware refers to programs that perform certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent. This may include giving you advertising or collecting personal information about you.

To the Rescue

Windows AntiSpyware is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet-browsing safety by guarding over 50 ways spyware can enter your PC.

Windows AntiSpyware is available for most Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003 Server installations. In addition to using standard anti-spyware definition files, Windows AntiSpyware also uses "SpyNet" to gather information on new threats as they spread across the Internet.

SpyNet’s Role