First the bad news.
I recently read that the average computer is infested with 25 pieces of spyware. I not only know firsthand that this is true, but I think this estimate is low. Whenever I get a chance to look at someone's computer (be it a family member, a friend, or a friend of a friend, etc.) — who is complaining their computer is slow, bogged down, or throwing up all types of pop-ups out of nowhere — that computer is just about always infested with spyware.

One big problem is that many novice users really don't have a clue as to what spyware is, or how their computer winds up becoming infested with it. If you are a Windows user, please read on and you will learn how to get free AntiSpyware from Microsoft.

Now let's talk about the Open Source Movement.
I happen to think that the open source movement is one of the very best things to happen for personal computer users world wide. If you don't know what the open source movement happens to be, it is when programmers collaborate on their own time to develop computer programs like Mozilla, and even operating systems such as Linux, that are free and available to anyone who wants to use them.

Go Daddy supports the Open Source Movement.
A few days ago, GoDaddy.com announced that it would make a copy of it's Turbo SSL secure certificate available free of charge to any bona fide open source project. In order to qualify for a free SSL certificate, the software project must qualify as a valid and recognized open source project. Often, such projects are listed with open source repositories like SourceForge. If you believe you qualify for a free cert, just complete the form provided on our web site at the following link: https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/ssl/ssl_opensource.asp?se=%2B

The Open Source Movement keeps Microsoft sharp.
One of the very good things about open source software, is that it represents the only real threat to Microsoft's dominance when it comes to operating systems, Internet browsers and other software. In fact, one up and coming browser that has Microsoft worried, is Firefox. Firefox is based on an open source browser called Mozilla. As I understand it, and as of this writing, Firefox has been downloaded over 25 million times. Firefox also happens to be free. Downloaders are asked to either make a donation (entirely voluntary), or, buy a t-shirt to support the Firefox cause. If you want to download a copy of Firefox and give it a try, you can do so at the following link: http://www.mozilla.org/. Those that like Firefox swear by it.

I personally prefer Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
While I like and support the open source movement, quite often I prefer to use Microsoft products even though I have to pay for some of them. I personally prefer to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer. The reason I use Internet Explorer is because I've become used to it. I also think it's a fine piece of engineering that only keeps getting better.

Now, for the really good news.
Over the years, I've learned that Microsoft is one of the savviest businesses anywhere. They know a threat when they see one, and are not about to give up their dominant position in the software and operating system business. So among other things, they've decided to create new value applications that enhance their Windows operating system. One product they recently released is a new, anti-spyware software. They say the product is in beta form; this means it's not final, may still have a few more bugs than normal, and is still being tested.

Micosoft's AntiSpyware works just fine for me.
I've been using it for over a month now, and haven't found a thing wrong with it. In fact, when compared with the anti-spyware software that is being sold by other firms, I've found the Microsoft product to be far superior.

Just look at some of the things Microsoft's AntiSpyware does:

• Scans your computer for spyware and removes it when found.
  
• Has a "real time" shield that keeps some new spyware from entering your computer.
  
• Automatically updates itself with new spyware signatures so it can locate and remove new forms of spyware.
  
• Scans your computer when you are not using it for new spyware infestations and alerts you as to what it has found. Every morning, I usually awake to a report that my computer has been scanned and that no new spyware has been found. But every now and then, I am informed that something got through, and that Microsoft's AntiSpyware found it. I then press a key or two, and "voila!" — it's removed.
  

The key thing to remember is that Microsoft AntiSpyware is free.

Here's how to get your free copy of Microsoft's AntiSpyware.
Just click on this link (or copy and paste it into your browser), and you'll go to the Microsoft page that tells you about system requirements and how to get a free copy of its new AntiSpyware product. If you are a Windows user, I highly recommend you do so.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

I think there are more serious free applications coming from Microsoft.
It's no secret that Microsoft recently purchased two virus detection and removal companies. I would not be surprised if they release their own free virus removal product in the not too distant future.

The competition benefits us all.
It's no secret why Microsoft is developing and releasing free value applications. Quite simply, they want to add enough value to their Windows operating system so that people keep using it. In the interim, and as the battle continues to unfold between the open source movement and Microsoft, it's fun to sit back and watch it develop. I believe the resulting competition benefits everyone.

I am very happy that Go Daddy is not in the antispyware or virus detection business.
I am happy about one thing, though; that Go Daddy decided not to enter the spyware removal or virus detection business.