Further signs that Microsoft is serious about helping people fend off spyware, adware, pop-ups and most other stuff usually referred to as malware: its free anti-spyware application has been polished up and renamed Windows Defender (Beta 2).

"Windows Defender (Beta 2) detects and removes known spyware from your computer, which helps make your Internet browsing safer.

The software uses automatic definition updates provided by Microsoft analysts to help detect and remove new threats as the threats are identified."

So far, I've seen no complaints among the experts and geeks who know about these things, and considering their occasionally dim view of Microsoft products, this must be a good sign.