To , first make sure you've installed the patch that closes a . Next, protect any network shares and administrator accounts with a strong password, as Conficker will try to guess easy ones.

Finally, you can block the worm's third infection, which hijacks thumb drives and other removeable media, by disabling Autorun on Windows. PC World has a that can automate that step for Windows XP users, and Microsoft has posted . Check my for more information on how it spreads.