The timing couldn't have been better. The very day a new worm that targets Windows users is spreading throughout the Internet, Microsoft launched a new virus information center available at its Web site.

Microsoft has partnered with antivirus vendors Network Associates and Trend Micro to provide detailed information about significant viruses that target Windows products and operating systems. The company says it will use information from Network Associates' Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team and Trend Micro's TrendLabs to help its customers better combat viruses that affect Microsoft customers.

Microsoft software and operating systems, because of their ubiquity, are the target of choice for worm and virus writers. The most lethal worms to strike the Internet to date, including Code Red, Nimda, and Slammer, all targeted various Microsoft apps to spread. While Microsoft Outlook is the most targeted E-mail client software by virus writers as well.

The Virus Information Alliance Web site is up and available here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/virus/via.asp