Another Computer Worm

I got hit with another worm last night. My computer was moving slowly so I called up the task manager (ctrl-alt-delete) to check out the processes that were running. One process called FVProtect.exe was consuming over half of my memory resources. I checked out what it was... and what do you know, its a worm. This one is called Netsky-P, and the bastard thing had created over 5000 files on my computer.

All I can say is thank God for TrendMicro, the company that offers the free Housecall internet-based virus checker.

I need to get rid of Outlook Express. The worm propagates simply by showing up in the preview pane... nothing to click on. It doesn't do any actual damage, though it takes up a big chunk of memory and leaves you vunerable to a malicious hacker. I don't see why Microsoft can't simply patch the holes in their software, its not like the vunerabilities are a big secret. Nothing should run automatically from email... nothing. If I want a video to play, ask me first before it plays. If I want a picture to appear, ask me before it appears. Automatic is nice, but it has outlived its purpose.

Anyhow, I'll get back to real blogging once I fix this mess up.