Internet Week reports that while Microsoft is working to “protect” users from viruses and spyware, there is little it can do for those that are already affected. It is great to see Microsoft take an active stance regarding spyware and virus removal, but how about spending some those billions on the mainstream media so that the non-techies have a chance to learn that Service Pack 2 even exists. Most people I deal with don’t even know what a service pack is. It is called ads on TV Microsoft, do that and I will be very impressed.

Though Microsoft Corp.’s new security update package is all about protecting systems from worms, viruses, and spyware, it can’t do much about what’s already on computers — and that could pose a problem.

The company is warning users of the Windows XP operating system to check for spyware before downloading the free massive security update, called Service Pack 2.