Microsoft is reportedly testing anti-virus and other security technologies to see if they could boost customers' perception of Windows, suggesting the technologies may one day become a part of the operating system.

Windows users would certainly welcome more protection against attacks like this week's Internet worm, dubbed Blaster or LoveSan, which has raised havoc within government agencies, businesses and consumers across the globe. More than a quarter of a million computers have been infected by the malicious code, which, if undetected, could cause the machines to launch a denial of service attack against Microsoft's web site on Saturday.

The Microsoft trial, dubbed PC Satisfaction, will study "how much more satisfied Windows customers are when they feel confident about the security of their PC and the safety of their data and personal information," the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, quoting from an invitation to beta testers for the technologies being used in the trial.

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