This is going to leave a bad taste in my mouth (defending Microsoft ).. but here goes.

People bitch and gripe about how insecure Microsoft is, when 90% of the time, they are the ones that went "Ooh..what happens if I click here". This is keeping in mind that I am talking about the common, everyday user. They do something you and I know better than to do, and it is Microsoft's fault that they didn't protect them from being idiots.

So then Microsoft goes out and purchases on of the top rated anti-adware/anti-spyware applications on the market (Don't take my word for it, check out Eric Howe's results and here. )

Microsoft will use the acquisition to provide its customers with new tools to help protect them from the threat of spyware and other deceptive software. In addition, key personnel from Giant will be joining Microsoft’s security efforts.
So, in addition to being able to provide new tools to customers (I know they'll make money from it, that's what they call capitalism),
...key personnel .... will be joining Microsoft’s security efforts. <--- that is the part that is important. If all they wanted was to make a buck, why bring along the personnel? I'm sure they have their own capable staff that could do that, but what they are lacking are people that understand malware.

We're not talking just little script kiddie crap. CWS and VX2 have just come out with some very nasty variants. The most recent version of CWS modifies PE files (which I believe puts it in the category of virus, and out of the realm of just being a nuisance). That variant should be on your shelves just in time for the New Year. How many here know how to repair an 'adjusted' PE file? I used to be worried about viruses and worms. Right now, I'm worried that script kiddies are going to learn from CWS and VX2....

But I digress. Microsoft puts out patches, and gets bashed. Microsoft buys a really good application to hopefully help protect the end user, and they get bashed. ( I hope they keep a free version available, even if it is a trial version. In many cases, that's all I need to get a user fixed up). The common user isn't protected from themselves, and Microsoft gets bashed.

The common user doesn't want to be educated about safe use, and proper set up. They figure if they pay $1800 (US) for something that is small enough to fit on a desk, then it should be good to go. So now Microsoft is put in the position of protecting people from themselves, and at the same time, not pissing off the people that don't need protecting by taking away functionality?

Ok, so maybe Microsoft deserves a little crap, but how could they possibly anticipate the lengths the people that write ad/spyware will go to make a buck? They try to make the Internet and computing an interesting and vivid experience, how can they be blamed for people exploiting that?

Microsoft has held several MVP conferences in which spyware and security was the focus. As a result of some of those conferences, developers from Microsoft have joined at least one well known malware removal forum to get a first hand look at just what goes on. At any rate, I am cautiously optimistic. You can't stop a runaway train on a dime (how is that for a mixed metaphor?)..it's going to take them a bit to get things turned around.

Excuse me...I need to go wash the taste out of my mouth...