If you're like me, your life is punctuated by conversations in which folks gripe about the latest problem with their computer. Lately, the biggest single gripe has been spyware--the software that looks at your keystrokes and Internet habits, and may "helpfully" redirect browsers to various entertaining web sites.

I was surprised, then, by this article that says fewer than ten percent of companies have installed any sort of anti-spyware software on their desktop computers. Now, it's true that most anti-spyware software is something of a pain in the rear, but it can make a huge difference in keeping people productive. If you're looking to experiment, Ad-Aware is a good place to start. I've been using ZeroSpyware for a while now, and it's caught several helper objects trying to attach themselves to my browser.

With virus and worm traffic continuing to grow, spyware may seem just an inconvenience, but I have seen heavily-infected systems taken down because of the burden placed on the CPU, and no one wants strangers watching your keystrokes. Anti-spyware software is easy enough to find and install--make it your Awesome Autumn gift to your employees and their bosses.