Microsoft may charge extra for new security software
Microsoft Corp. disclosed plans Thursday to offer frustrated users of its Windows software new tools within 30 days to remove spyware programs secretly running on computers. But it might cost extra in coming months.
In a shift from past practice, the world's largest software manufacturer said it may charge consumers for future versions of the new protective technology, which Microsoft acquired by buying a small New York software firm. Terms of the sale of Giant Company Software Inc. weren't disclosed.
Spyware is a category of irritating programs that secretly monitor the online activities of Internet users and can cause sluggish computer performance or popup ads.
Microsoft, whose Windows operating systems have often been criticized for lax security, traditionally has given consumers -- at no charge -- separate programs to improve security. It also has increasingly built other protective tools, such as firewall software, into Windows to repel hackers.
