Microsoft Again Updates AntiSpyware Beta

Windows AntiSpyware Beta 1 Build 1.0.613 is the second update since the software debuted in early January. Microsoft's made some bug fixes -- earlier versions sometimes caused Internet connectivity problems after they'd removed some spyware -- and extended the program's expiration date to Dec. 31.

Microsoft debuted the tool in January, just weeks after it had acquired anti-spyware developer Giant Company Software of New York. Windows AntiSpyware is essentially a repackaged version of Giant's software.

In February, Microsoft's chairman Bill Gates assured users that AntiSpyware would remain free. "Blocking and scanning of spyware should be available to every Windows system," Gates said then at the RSA Conference.

The new build can be downloaded from Microsoft's Web site; existing users should see an alert notifying them that the update has been downloaded shortly, Microsoft said.