It's not at all clear whether the much-talked-about Conficker worm will really bring those of us who use Windows to our knees, as if we didn't have trouble enough. See, for example, Brian Krebs, CNET News, and dozens of other PC pundits that turn up in a search of Google News.

But there seems to be a bit of consensus that something will be unleashed from unwittingly networked Windows computers on April Fool's Day, April 1. Which is almost upon us, so listen up. You don't want to be April Fooled, do you?

One of the best protections against Windows mischief is to read Brain Livingston's swell newsletter, Windows Secrets. It's free, but you can also upgrade to the paid version for a modest contribution. Just out, a special free update on how to deal with Conficker.