<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Tomorrow is April Fools Day, but if the computer virus, called Conficker, truly hits, as news headlines have warned, it won&amp;#039;t be a joke. It will infect Windows-based computers - anyone on a Mac or Linux system should be in the clear - and thoughts are its agenda involves stealing passwords and financial information from your computer.  The truth is the virus threat is unknown. It could be an elaborate prank, but with such a sophisticated virus, infecting millions of computers and skipping through computer holes, it probably will be more.  Conficker is expected to receive new commands on April 1st, but do not think of this as a Dooms Day. Many experts warn that the worm will continue to be active after tomorrow and most likely will not crash your computer because your computer is part of its life line. If you have been diligent on scanning your computer and running updates you are probably safe, but here&amp;#039;s what you should know: Signs you are infected:  Conficker has the ability to prevent your computer from receiving updates, so check your system. If your Automatic Updates have been turned off, you might have Conficker.  Conficker also tries to block its enemies. If you cannot visit sites like www.microsoft.com, www.symantec.com, and www.McAfee.com you might have Conficker. For those of you running Vista, if you cannot open the Defender program you might have Conficker.  Solutions:  Prevent the spread. Using an USB device on an infected computer can spread the worm. By turning off Autoplay, which allows programs to automatically start in and install, Conficker can be contained to your computer. Remove it. Microsoft is offering a tool designed to remove Conficker. The worm, however, might prevent you from downloading it. If so, try this second option.  Prevent future infection. Computer users should be sure to install and run virus protection software and install Windows updates regularly.  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a2758/warding-off-a-computer-virus/?src=shelter_footer>