The latest Conficker virus variant will begin checking for a payload to download on April 1, 2009.  Here are a few steps you can take to make sure your computer is safe against this and other viruses:

• Patch the specific Conficker vulnerability in Windows
  • Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067
  • Scroll down and select your operating system (probably Windows XP Service Pack 2 or 3)
  • Download and install the update
• Update your operating system
  • http://update.microsoft.com/
  • http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/
• Make sure your virus scanner definitions are up to date
  • Make sure your virus scanner subscription is paid for and up to date
  • Install a free virus scanner
• Scan your installed software for vulnerabilities
  • Secunia Online scanner is the easiest (only requires java)
  • Secunia Personal Desktop is more thorough but requires a download and install

Symptoms of infection:

• Account lockout policies being reset automatically.
• Certain Microsoft Windows services such as Automatic Updates, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Windows Defender and Error Reporting Services disabled.
• Domain controllers responding slowly to client requests.
• Congestion on local area networks.
• Web sites related to antivirus software becoming inaccessible.

Quick tests to see if you are infected:

• http://iv.cs.uni-bonn.de/fileadmin/user_upload/werner/cfdetector/
• http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/infection_test/cfeyechart.html