A computer virus dubbed the "Love Bug'' caused havoc with computer systems worldwide on Thursday (5/4/00), shutting down email servers at major companies and penetrating the Pentagon and Britain's parliament.

Companies across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia are said to have been hit by the virus, raising fears of a repeat of the Melissa virus which caused chaos in the United States last year.

The virus comes in an e-mail that says "ILOVEYOU'' in the subject line and an attachment, which when opened using Microsoft Outlook software sends the virus to the e-mail addresses stored within the software, researchers say.

Once the virus infects the computer it can destroy certain files not only on the user's own hard drive, but also other files on networks that the user is connected to.

Find out how to detect, prevent, and fix any damage caused at the:

• ZDNet - I Love You Anti-Virus Center