This is an offer that you don't want to miss! As you may know, Google has sewn up the search business and there are many competitors who would like to steal some of the search business from them. To that end, Microsoft is willing to pay people just to use their search engine rather than using Google. The beauty of it is that after you sign up, you don't have to do a thing that you don't already do. They pay you for every search you do using Microsoft Live Search. The only qualification is that you must be using Internet Explorer. They say that a Firefox version is in the works, but it is not here yet.

The best way to take advantage of this offer is to download the Microsoft Live Toolbar, which is a quick and easy installation.

Then click over to the Microsoft Live SearchPerks page and click on the Get Started button. You have to have a Windows Live ID or you can get one at that page. Then you simply download the Perk counter, which keeps track of how many searches you perform. Microsoft has been very explicit in saying that they are not tracking what you search for or which websites you visit.

When you have the Live Toolbar installed, the SearchPerks counter appears right on the toolbar. You get 500 points just for signing up and you get more points every time you use Microsoft Live Search. The counter will be visible right on the toolbar that you installed and the toolbar will also remind you to use Live Search instead of Google. The points can be redeemed for prizes. The search results rival those of Google, so you won't be missing a thing and it is fun to watch your counter move up.

Getting something for nothing. It doesn't get much better than that! But don't delay. The signup is limited to 1,000,000 participants. While that sounds like a lot, remember there are millions of people on the Internet who will jump as this chance.