January 7, 2005 4:28PM

Microsoft has made a trial version of its free anti-spyware tool available on its Web site in a bid to increase the security of its dominant Windows operating system. The program was developed by Giant Company Software, which Microsoft acquired last month.



Microsoft Corp. on Friday released a test version of its own anti-spyware software, signaling its move into the computer security market now dominated by companies like Symantec Corp.
The biggest software company in the world made a trial version of its free anti-spyware tool available on its website in a bid to increase the security of its dominant Windows operating system. Next week, it was expected to release a virus-removal program to round out the security package.

The anti-spyware software eliminates programs that generate unwanted pop-up ads and secretly record a computer user's activities, often crippling computer performance. The program was developed by Giant Company Software Inc., which Microsoft acquired last month.

Shares of the two largest computer-security-software vendors, Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., fell sharply after Microsoft released details of its plans.


© 2005 Deutsche Presse-Agentur
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