It's funny how a firewall would easily stop this worm from even getting to your computer, and stop any access to the original security hole that Microsoft announced on 7/16/03.

At work, I've got 12 XP workstations, and a Win2k server. All of these are set to download Critical Windows Updates automatically, so we received the patch 3 weeks ago! We have Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition, which updates the virus definitions every morning, and pushes it to all client computers. And on top of that, we have a normal Netgear FVS318 (VPN/Firewall router) sitting in between the DSL modem, and the rest of our network.

If you have a broadband connection for multiple users, there is no excuse for not having a firewall device. You should only use firewall software if you have a proxy server sitting between your network, and the Internet.

For regular dial-up users, or for broadband users with only one computer, you should use firewall software such as ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com).

It's one thing for an average home user to get this worm, but businesses? :nono:

A firewall would be your first line of defense.
The 3 week old patch is your second line of defense.
The Anti-virus is your last line of defense (and it still won't protect you from the security hole).