Microsoft releases a preview of Anti-Adware software.

Hello everyone,

Well good news tonight [right before I go to bed of course], Microsoft has released their Anti-Spyware [*cough* Anti-Adware */cough*] beta created from the acquisition of GIANT Company Software.  Current users of GIANT Anti-Spyware are recommended to use their current software subscription, which will be supported <http://www.giantcompany.com/commonQuestions.htm#gen_beta>.  If you would like to participate in the preview, download at <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671> or visit <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware> for more information.

Please note this is beta quality software and is not supported by Microsoft.  The software is set to expire on 2005/07/31.  However, if you have any difficulties, please submit any new cases via newsgroup at <http://communities.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.asp?ICP=spyware>.  You can also access the newsgroup via NNTP newsreader by entering <news://privatenews.microsoft.com> as the server and 'privatenews\spyware' as the login name with password: 'spyware' [case-sensitive].

@Matthew

PS--I'm not a big fan of the 'spyware' label since spyware refers to malicious users using software to spy or steal things from your computer.  Adware is a specific form of malware usually packaged with freeware or shareware as means of advertisement revenue.  However, GIANT does a great job of protecting from all malware except viruses, Trojan horses, et cetera.  Now I can't wait for the Anti-Virus solution from Microsoft [PC Satisfaction Trial].

Update:
1) It appears there may be a little more propping going on as some links fail, try to download the EN-US version at <http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/1/5/815d2d60-49b5-44dc-ae35-fca2f2c6f0cc/MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe>.
2) The official site was finally propped earlier today at <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software>.