New Windows netbooks may harbor malware

I ran into an interesting IT News article about a malware problem found on a netbook.
http://www.itnews.com/security/3910/new-windows-netbooks-may-harbor-malware?source=ITNEWSNLE_nlt_itndaily_2009-05-19

It seems that a netbook that came out of the factory was found to have at least 3 malware instances installed on it. If you don't know about them netbooks are the latest rage in portable computers. Basically smaller, stripped down laptops that typically sell from $300 - $700. An example is
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/31863/review/aspire_one.html

While the article specifically talked about netbooks, it brings up an important point:

Never assume that any software is malware-free! This is true whether it is downloaded, shrink wrapped or pre-installed on a PC!!! Always have antivirus software installed or available to scan before you use it and before the computer is allowed on a network (home or office).