] "We've looked hard at the nature of this problem, and
] made a decision that this anti-spyware capability will
] become something that's available at no additional charge
] for Windows users%u2014both the blocking capability, and
] the scanning and removal capabilities. Those are features
] we think should be available to protect every system,"
] Gates said

On the one hand -- yet another case of Microsoft being able to buy out and damage an industry by giving its stuff away.

On the other hand -- that there is such an industry is a result of Microsoft issues, and it doesn't seem out of line that they should be a responsible party to provide fixes. And it would be ethically more confused if they were making a profit with one product designed to reduce the flaws of another profitable product.

It is a bit like a car manufacturer's aftermarket parts division, except that you need to buy some of the parts to make your new car street legal.

Gates: Consumer Anti-Spyware Tool Will Be Free