Latest Computer Virus Plays a Dirty Trick

A new e-mail virus that promises an eyeful to Internet users but instead cripples Microsoft Windows swept through companies worldwide Tuesday, but anti-virus software companies offered cures on their Web sites by the afternoon.

Dozens of companies reported infections by the virus, dubbed “Naked Wife” for the salacious lure it uses to hook unsuspecting users. This destructive worm appears as a forwarded e-mail with “Naked Wife” in the Subject line.

Readers who click on the attached file, “Naked Wife.exe,” will see a short cartoon followed by a vulgar message, signed by “BGK (Bill Gates Killer).” All the while, the virus is deleting key Windows and system files on the user’s PC, rendering the computer unable to start up properly.

Users who receive the e-mail should not click on the attachment and should delete it immediately. Infected users will not be able to restart their computers and will have to reinstall the Windows operating system.