When Code Goes Bad!
by Gary Woods

The biggest growth of what has been called Malware or Malicious Software is in the area called Spyware. Microsoft's Service Pack 2 for Windows XP was really all about security but they have now come out with something called AntiSpyware which is now in Beta Testing and also something called a Malicious Software Removal Tool.

You can download a beta version of the company's new AntiSpyware software for free at www.microsoft.com/spyware. This program targets slow PC performance, pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of private information. Microsoft also brought out a Malicious Software Removal Tool which can be downloaded free at www.microsoft.com/malwareremove. The programs are an amalgamation of several of the company's Malware-removal solutions which go after common dangerous viruses.

Both tools will be updated on the second Tuesday of each month, as are all of Microsoft's monthly security updates. Automatic Update users will receive enhancements along with regular updates.

Although the new tools go beyond the many security provisions found in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, they're not intended to compete with products such as Norton Anti-Virus or the various Spyware-removal solutions.

The Malicious Software Removal Tool uses methods developed after scanning millions of PCs and identifying what kinds of bad code are common. It is based on technology that Microsoft acquired from GeCAD software in 2003.

Running Microsoft's tool and the fee-based tools together may make the most sense for protecting your system.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910