InventHelp’s Invention Girl loves the playfulness of April Fool’s Day. Putting a rubber band around the kitchen sink sprayer? Funny. Infecting computers with a dangerous superworm? Not so funny. But, that’s what may happen to some PC users this Wednesday.

You may remember my blog a few weeks ago about high-tech pranksters that hijacked construction road signs. Even I got a little chuckle thinking about road signs blaring warnings like “CAUTION: ZOMBIES AHEAD!!!”, but high-tech pranks like viruses are just mean spirited.

Viruses can make your operating system go haywire, causing data loss and compromising security on sensitive information like banking numbers and credit card information. The Conficker worm, which many experts say could strike on April Fool’s Day, is especially sophisticated and dangerous.

What can you do to keep this April Fool’s gag from corrupting your files and depleting your data? Microsoft, who has a $250,000 “bounty” on the worm, offers PC users some basic tips on protecting your digital life. First, make sure that your antivirus software is installed and up to date. Many programs allow you to set these updates automatically. Also, never open attachments or install software from sites that you don’t trust.

The invention of protective software like Webroot’s AntiVirus with AntiSpyware has kept many computer users safe from viral infection. Even with an antivirus program, your risk is much lower, but not eliminated completely. What worries some technology experts is that Conficker is a worm, wiggling its way into the system through Windows’ software weaknesses. Viruses, on the other hand, tend to come in attachments.

If your computer does become infected, you can try to download Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool. Because Conficker is so advanced, you may not be able to access this site. In that case, try Windows Live OneCare, which scans your PC for free.

With April Fool’s Day behind us, it seems that the world is not going to come crashing to a halt due to Conficker worm. Still, we at InventHelp hope you’ll use these tips to keep your PC safe all year long!

Related InventHelp posts:

1. InventHelp Warns: Mac’s Immunity to Computer Bugs May Be Over
2. InventHelp Warns: Sneaky Trojan Horse Steals Banking Info From Your Computer
3. InventHelp Warns: Gift Cards are Risky Business
4. InventHelp Warns: Watch Out for Spam in Disguise!
5. Microsoft Promises "Less Nagging" in Windows 7