Intermittant Messanger Service windows

[RDH]

Windows similar to this, request us to call various "toll
free" numbers to resolve security problems I am not aware
of. Are these real security issues or a hoax? If, in fact,
they are real issues how do I repair the problems? The
following is the latest example of these window.

"Messanger Service".
It displays different messages.
Message from Diplomas to you on 4/28/2004 6:10:21PM
Obtain a prosperous future, money earning power, and the
admiration of all.
Diplomas from prestigious universities based on your
present knowledge and life experience.
No Required tests, classes, books, or interviews
Bachelors, masters, MBA, doctorate (PhD) diplomas
available in the field of your choosing
No one is turned down.
Confidentiality assured.
CALL NOW to receive your diploma within days!!!
206-984-4442 (Toll free)
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Sundays and
Holidays.

 

[Steven L Umbach]

That indicates that you need a firewall to protect your network from
unwanted and dangerous inbound traffic that you did not initiate. Go to one
of the self scan sites such as http://scan.sygatetech.com/ to see for
yourself. If you are using cable/dsl I think you are best of getting one of
those cable/dsl routers you see at places like Best Buy for as little as $19
after rebate form D-Link or such. They are fairly easy to configure and they
do a good job of protecting the average home user networg, particualrly if
you have no need to port forward into your network.

Otherwise use one of the many free firewalls available for download. Zone
Alarm works fine for the average user and is probably easiest to set up. See
the links below fore more info and help. --- Steve

http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/security/fwfirewall.html
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm --- securing Internet Explorer
is more important now then ever.