Thread: Windows Messenger
View Single Post
Old 04-03-2004, 23:36   #10
Tristan
Inactive
 
Tristan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Glastonbury!
Services: Telewest DTV & 4Meg BB (Bath), NTL DTV and 2Meg BB (Poole)
Posts: 1,350
Tristan has reached the bronze age
Tristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze ageTristan has reached the bronze age
Re: Windows Messenger
make sure 'allow people not on my contact list to send me messages' isn't enabled in MSN Messenger. I think it might be enabled by default :O

And Windows Messenger, the one that comes pre-loaded with Windows XP, is no danger at all. In fact, it won't even let you connect without downloading an updated version!

The thing that you want to disable is the Windows Messenger Service which is a completely different thing. Designed years and years ago, it allows network devices to send messages directly to the screen; for example a printer might telll you it was out of paper. It does no harm either, but the messages are annoying. The thing is though, if people are managing to send you net send messages over the internet, then it's a sign that you're not adequately firewalled. If they can send a message to that port, they may be able to take advantage of real Windows vulnerabilities. Download Zonealarm, or even switch on the XP Firewall without delay!
Tristan is offline   Reply With Quote