Big names in the IT Industry, such as Microsoft, try to keep up with the rest of the competition by bring in the best weapons they have. This applies in all areas, whether it's a new multimedia player, document reader, or antivirus system.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (a pretty self-explanatory name) is a small and free tool which scans your computer and detects any spyware infiltrated into the system. And no, it can't prevent any malicious software from getting in.

The best thing about it is the fact that it doesn't need any installation, so it means this version is portable (just place in on a USB flash drive or other external device, and scan any computer that crosses your path).

In the first window you can view a list of spyware that Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool can delete. Then you have the option of choosing from quick scan, full scan, or custom scan.

The quick scan only takes several minutes to complete, but the full scan takes much longer than that (and it is ideal you don't have any other processes running in the same time). Removing “enemies” is successfully done.

If we had to mention one bad thing about this software it would be the fact that you can't go back to the "main menu" once scanning is complete. The application exits, and you have to initiate it again.

So, if you want a simple and portable spyware removal tool, then go ahead and take a look at Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. It's free to use!