Wired: Microsoft to Battle Spyware

Microsoft's planned update for a Windows XP will make at least five changes to thwart the inadvertent installation of spyware. Roughly half of the world's computers run Windows XP. The update will include a pop-up blocker, a reduction in the ability of ActiveX objects to write their own start-up code and steps that make it harder for blithe users to downgrade their security settings. Perhaps most importantly, ActiveX objects will not be downloaded unless users explicitly give permission.