Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of Web Watchers, an Internet security and safety program directed at kids in grades three through eight. The program provides teachers with age and curriculum valid lessons that help students understand both the opportunities and risks of the Internet, such as how to help protect their identity online and avoid installing malicious software. Nearly 13,000 school districts across the United States serving 4.6 million students have the opportunity to take advantage of this program in the final months of this school year. As part of the program, participating schools will be eligible to win US$1,000 or $5,000 for the purchase of new computer hardware and software as an incentive for student's families and friends to take steps helping secure their PCs.

Microsoft is joined in the program to educate students, teachers and families about the fundamentals of online security by AMD, which has recently released AMD64 processors with Enhanced Virus Protection capability, and other companies who have made a similar commitment to computer security such as McAfee, NetZero, Cox Communications, Comcast and The CyberSmart! Education Company.