Over the past 2 to 3 years, spyware has gone from an unrecognized/unknown to one of the top three computer security issues (behind Viruses, and SPAM). So what is Spyware?
Surfing on the net is not as secure as the average internet user may think. Your identity and what you are doing can be monitored easily. This is especially true for those with Wireless networks, those who browse the internet from their work computer and those that browse dodgy (red flag) websites. The solution is to use an anonymizer when you surf the net.
Security is becoming more and more important as new viruses and worms (Lovesan Worm, Blaster Worm...etc) keep being unleashed. That's why it's important to make sure your system is protected.
Microsoft has released a free, new Windows add-on, called My Private Folder 1.0, that allows you to create your own password protected folder. This is a welcome new addition for XP users who have multiple people using the same computer and want some added protection on certain files. Be forewarned though, once you have put these into My Private Folder 1.0, there is no way to get them out without the password that you set.