David Keppelmeyer - a leading industry analyst and windows security expert - has lauded Microsoft's decision to release its AntiSpyware free of charge to Windows users.

"This is a victory for the consumer" says Keppelmeyer. "What Microsoft has done here is created a situation where software, free software, has had the sting taken out of it."

Keppelmeyer explains that spyware and adware, often undesirable application that can record information from a computer or bombard the user with inconvenient advertisements, usually come bundled with software that's spread free of charge.

"It's been a problem with free software for several years now" he says. "As the saying goes, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and software is no different."

"Several popular pieces of freeware come bundled with secret extras that install spy and ad ware onto PCs. For years, you had to pick one or the other, you'd use the free software and get stung with advertisements or spyware, perhaps even worms and viruses - or you'd go without in order to be safe."

"But with Microsoft AntiSpyware, this isn't an issue. It gives Windows users the best of the world's free software, without the problems that are usually associated with it."

Keppelmeyer explains that Windows is the only operating system that can give you this security. "What Microsoft is offering is a clear and present benefit."

"Other computer systems without Microsoft AntiSpyware don't provide the safety that you get with Windows," he explains, in a swipe at the Linux OS. "when you download free software - even a free operating system - you double this effect. You are putting your computer and precious data at risk."

According to Keppelmeyer, problems with spyware include identity theft and financial loss. "According to an FTC study more than 27 million Americans have been affected by identity theft since 1998, costing businesses up to $US50 billion a year."

"You just have to look at free software without Microsoft protection and wonder 'is it really worth it?'"