Expert Advice On New Computer Virus

PHILADELPHIA - The latest Windows computer virus set to strike on Wednesday, so there's not much time left to prepare, according to Fox 29 Consumer Reporter Michelle Buckman, who has been sounding the alarm on this since last week.

The virus is called Conficker-C, and it's actually sitting dormant on millions of Windows PC's right now.

While no one is exactly sure how severe the damage will be, your hard drive, personal info, even the Internet could be at risk.

It's so serious Microsoft has put a $250,000 bounty on the head of whoever is behind the virus.

Anthony Mongeluzo, the president of Medford-based Pro Computer Service, visited "Good Day Philadelphia" on Tuesday to help us prepare.

Mongeluzo talked about whether there's a way to know if your PC is already infected, the worst case scenario, measures people need to take right now, and the importance of making sure anti-virus programs are up-to-date.

If you didn't get to talk to Mongeluzo during our online Web chat from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., here are some essential links to help your prepare.

Here are the highlights and the key information you need to know:

1. You must have an active anti-virus program on your computer:

Mongeluzo: "I would recommend some form of Anti-Virus to be put on your system immediately, at Pro Computer we highly recommend AVG Anti-Virus (www.grisoft.com) but Norton or McAffee would be fine as well. Even is this threat did not exist, it's very important to have protection on your computer. We also recommend MalwareBytes and Spybot which can run scans on your system and clean up infections."

2. If I turn off my computer on Wednesday, will I be safe?

Mongeluzo: "The virus is going to continue to spread. If you leave your PC off it can still be affected when it is turned back on if you do not take the proper security measures. It's important to start updating your system now to be protected."

3. What can I get for free?

Mongeluzo: "AVG actually has a free version of the Anti-Virus software for home users only. If you go to http://free.grisoft.com you can download a copy for free and right now."

4. How does my computer get the virus?

Mongeluzo: "This virus can come from multiple ways, e-mail, the web, or even from another infected computer on your network."

5. What do we know about the virus?

Mongeluzo: "This version of the virus has been around since early March. It's actively trying to spread itself. This virus is being handled internationally. In Germany yesterday there was a break in finding some important information. As we continue to learn more there will be more and more ways to stop this virus from hitting but whenever you are online there will always be some threat of infection.

6. How does my computer act when it is infected?

Mongeluzo: "If your computer is infected, it can cause pop-ups, make your system run slow, it basically gives the virus full control over your system. Anything you can do, the virus can do. Some of the symptons for the infection are that your anti-virus will stop working, you won't be able to get on security websites or windows update. If you are having any of those symptons you should run the Mcaffee tool to see if you are infected."

7. Are Macs affected?

Mongeluzo: No.