If I start having problems with Word, I'll just switch to OpenOffice. And if I start having problems with Windows, I might switch to another OS.
The article does mention users of P2P networks who use an unpatched Internet Explorer and WM 9 Players are more vulnerable to this rogue download. But the fact this ready exploit exists means every one should keep up their guard and lock down IE, use an alternative browser (like Firefox) where possible and turn off the automatic notification feature in WMP. No one wants to have to clean up a crippled computer loaded with tons of unwanted scumware.
I installed OpenOffice on both of my computers. I like the GUI better than MS Office and all of the outputs open in Office (on my company notebook).
As for the spyware that is the subject of the original post? Some people seem to automatically click the "yes" and "Install" button whenever a dialog box pops up on their screens.
Cybernetic mayhem is generally targeted at four kinds of things, i.e. windows itself, ms word, outlook, and the internet explorer. To the extent that you can avoid any of those things, you're safer and better off. I do all of my email and most of my web browsing on a linux machine, and avoid ie and outlook altogether.
Don't forget the free QuickTime / iTunes:
http://www.apple.com/itunes
http://www.apple.com/quicktime