• Computer worms slow you down and latch onto innocent others.computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com
  
  Computer worms bring technology to a snail's pace while invading your privacy and the privacy of any of your friends to whom the little nuisance may have slithered. Some of the larger, more daunting worms--such as the Melissa virus in 1999, Love Bug in 2000 and, more recently, the Blaster in 2003--make national headlines. Usually, however, they often infect us while we are unaware...until it is too late.
  
  

What Worms Are and What They Do

• Computer worms are software programs designed to copy themselves from one computer to another with no human interaction. They are found within viruses, programs or scripts. Some worms spread very quickly, and jam networks and cause the Internet to drastically slow. By sending themselves to everyone in your email contacts, then sending themselves to all of YOUR contacts' contacts, computer worms can reproduce in great volume.
  
  

Difference Between Worms and "Regular" Viruses

• A common misconception persists that computer worms and viruses are the same thing. Though they are both viruses, they are different types. Whereas worms can spread from computer to computer with no human interaction, viruses cannot be activated until a user opens an infected program or application uploads the virus from a CD, USB drive or disk.
  
  

Signs Your Computer Is Infected

• Signs of worm infection include your computer running slower than usual or frequently locking up, or "freezing." It may even shut itself off and reboot itself every few minutes. Your disks or drives become unusable, applications don't work properly, you have trouble printing and you get odd error messages. Sometimes menus and dialog boxes look distorted--they may even be upside down.
  
  

Preventing Worms

• Worms can be picked up via emails, instant messages, chat rooms, websites...pretty much everywhere you go online. Apart from having active antivirus software installed, the best way to prevent your computer from becoming infested with worms is to use common sense. If you don't recognize the name of the person that sent you an e-mail, or if it has a strange title or file attached to it, don't open it. If you are not familiar with a website or are asked to upload a program you don't know to be virus-free, avoid them at all costs. Don't click on unfamiliar e-mail advertisements.
  
  Also, allow Windows to regularly update your system, as the updates often include patches to keep viruses out and strengthen the software. Updates will also ensure that your antivirus software is current.
  
  In addition, verify that your antivirus software is installed correctly and operating without problems. Running a regular full-system scan will make sure every square inch of your computer has been examined for viruses.
  
  

Removing Worms

• If you suspect you have a worm on your computer, Microsoft's website offers a Malicious Software Removal Tool that you can download and install directly from their site. Best of all, Microsoft.com is guaranteed virus-free. Before using the removal tool, verify that you have allowed Windows automatic updates, update your virus software via the software's website and run a full scan of your computer.