There are many computer worm removal tools on the market today and even more on the Internet. But how do you prevent worms in the first place? The best way to prevent computer worms in the first place is to install virus protection software on your computer. Virus protection software will catch any viruses or worms before they have a chance to infect your computer. Each software program also has a feature that allows you to scan your computer as often as you like to check for any computer worms that may have slipped through the cracks somehow (rare). Some of the best anti-virus software includes BitDefender and Kaspersky. Norton AntiVirus and McAfee Antivirus are effective as well.

These software programs are not free. It is important to note that while the Microsoft Software Removal Tool helps remove infections, it does not prevent them. If you want added security, it’s best to install Norton or McAfee as well. You can also install a top-notch virus protection program such as BitDefender or Kaspersky. You may purchase these programs online directly through the manufacturer or visit any computer or electronics store.

Free Computer Worm Removal Tools

A large number of computer worm removal tools are available on the Internet and they are free. However, with all software downloads there are dangers, so you should always check to make sure the computer worm removal tool is from a trusted source. If you are running Windows, stick with Microsoft software downloads. Microsoft offers a “Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool” free of charge for its Windows operating system. The great thing about this free worm virus removal tool is that it updates once a month and reports if a worm virus or other malicious software is found.

From Microsoft:

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software including Blaster Worm, Sasser, and Mydoom. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. The tool creates a log file named mrt.log in the %WINDIR%\debug folder. Version 1.30 adds Win32/Allaple to the list of malicious software this tool detects.

You can download directly from the Microsoft website or Cnet.com.

About Computer Worms and Viruses

Computer worms and viruses are pretty much one in the same. No matter if you have a worm or a virus, these malicious software programs can cause your computer to run slow, the can make it vulnerable to other worms and viruses, or they can complete disable your system. A worm or virus is a malicious software program. A worm or virus can either slow your system down to a crawl or disable it completely. Unlike a Trojan Horse, which is a malicious software program that cannot reproduce or self-replicate, a worm virus has the ability to multiply at a rapid pace. A worm or virus can spread from computer to computer, travel across networks, copy address books and send itself out to everyone in it. A worm or virus can even freeze or disable entire servers.

Some of the most sophisticated worms and viruses can actually tunnel into your computer and give users remote access to your computer. One of the most notorious worms of them all is the Blaster Worm. The Blaster Worm, created in part by an 18-year-old kid from Minnesota back in 2003, spread on computers running Windows XP and Windows 2000. This worm virus was also called “Lovsan” and “Lovesan.” Some of the latest worm viruses include the Koobface Worm (infected users of social networking sites like Facebook), Conficker Worm (infects any computer user), and Neeris Virus (infiltrated the office of the U.S. Marshals).

A Trojan Horse may sound less severe than a worm virus, but it can still cause damage to your computer. A Trojan or “Trojan Horse” will present itself as a helpful program, but once you install it on your computer, it will cripple your system almost immediately. A Trojan Horse may appear in the form of a file or software program that has been sent from a legitimate source. The Trojan Horse will install and a number of things can happen. Some Trojans will simply rearrange your desktop or add annoying icons to your desktop and others will delete files. Some of the more advanced Trojans can open the door to predators looking to steal your identity. These types of Trojans can give users unlimited access to your system. Trojans do not reproduce or replicate. Worms and viruses, on the other hand, can reproduce, self-replicate, and infect other files.