Just released: Microsoft Releases Windows Security Update ......."designed to make users safer from cyberattacks by sealing entries to viruses, better protecting personal data and fending off spyware.
For regular users, the most noticeable change will be a series of new prompts users will see. Users will be asked to actively give permission for programs to interact with their computers, so there is less chance they will be hit by a virus or inadvertently allow malicious software that can monitor computer activities."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=&e=6&u=/ap/20040806/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_update_11