Re: Internet pop-ups

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 02/29/04 

Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 13:56:59 -0700

Greetings --

    I realize that you're trying to help, and that such an intent is
commendable, but please don't post potentially harmful advice.

    Disabling the messenger service, as you advised, is a "treat the
symptoms" approach to computer security still that leaves the PC
vulnerable to threats such as the W32.Blaster.Worm.

    The real problem is _not_ the messenger service pop-ups; they're
actually providing a useful service by acting as a security alert.
The true problem is the unsecured computer, and your only advice,
however well-intended, was to turn off the warnings.

    Equivalent Scenario: Pulling the battery out of a noisy smoke
detector instead of seeking and eliminating the source of the smoke
that set it off.

    The only true way to secure the PC, short of disconnecting it from
the Internet, is to install and *properly* configure a firewall; just
installing one and letting it's default settings handle things is no
good.

Bruce Chambers 

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"Pete" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message 
news:498301c3fef1$1a4663e0$a101280a@phx.gbl...
> are these internet explorer popups or OK boxes?
>
> If they are the latter you should disable the messenger
> (NOT MSN/Windows Messenger) service.
>
> Right click My Computer and choose "Manage" then go down to
> services and stop and disable "Messenger"

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