Microsoft is launching a new program to help computer users keep spyware out of their home PCs.

Spyware is software that is unknowingly loaded into home PCs and tracks users' online activity.

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Some programs, like those used by KITV.com, gather only generic information about users and are not used to collect specific information like e-mail addresses or account information.

However, some spyware can be more invasive, tracking many aspects of online activity, including personal information and passwords.

To help keep spyware out of PCs, Microsoft Thursday launched a test version of a new tool called Microsoft AntiSpyware. The software is free and available for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

You can find out more about the anti-spyware software online at Microsoft.com/spyware.

On Jan. 11, Microsoft will launch another tool that will help computer users keep viruses and worms out of their computers. The anti-virus tool will be part of Microsoft's monthly software updates.

Earlier, Microsoft said that while the software will be available for free at first, it could start charging for it later.