Avoiding Windows Messenger Spam!
If you're using Windows XP or Windows 2000 and connect directly to the Internet, you can fall victim to Windows Messenger Service pop-ups. This is not related to any instant messaging app, but to an arcane network utility called Net Send.
The Net Send message service was used and is still used by network administrators to send pop-up messages to all users (like "The server's going down in 5 minutes, so save your work and shut down"), and to let users send notes to one another.
By default, Windows XP and 2000 both have this service running when you start your computer, with the result that when you are connected to the Internet, anyone who knows your IP address can send you a pop-up message that looks like a Windows alert, not an ad. Some spammers scan through a series of Internet addresses and find computers that have this service turned on. When they find one, they send it a message.
In order to turn off net send you must do the following. In Windows 2000 and XP, you can turn off the Messenger Service by clicking on the Start button, then selecting Run and typing Services.msc. Press Enter. In the Services window, scroll down to the Messenger entry. Double-click on it to bring up the Messenger Properties window. First click the Stop button to end the Messenger Service. Once the Service status is tagged Stopped, click on the Startup type drop-down box and select Disabled. Now click on OK. You will be brought back to the Services window, and the Messenger Properties window will now say Disabled under Startup type. Close the window and you're done.
Gary Chambers
We All Like A Little Of Our Own Personality In Our Surroundings!
We all like a little of our own personality in our surroundings, at home and at work. Microsoft Windows XP makes it easy to personalize your computer. Add color, patterns, pictures, and even sounds to enhance your screen's appearance. Customize your mouse to make it easier to control. Set up your computer to load favorite programs automatically so they're ready when you are. And more. Personalizing your PC is one of the fun things you can do with your computer. You'll also increase your work efficiency and enjoy computing more!
Here's an easy way to start: Customize your desktop's background! You can repaint it any color of the rainbow, or fill it with a pattern, image, or favorite photo. Windows XP contains a selection of backgrounds to choose from. You can also capture photos and other graphics on the Web. Here's how to give your desktop a fresh look:
Customize your desktop's background!
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Under Pick a task, click Change the desktop background.
4. On the Desktop tab, do one or more of the following:
- In the Color box, select a color.
- In the Background list, click a background picture. In the Position list, click Center, Tile, or Stretch to define how your picture will be displayed.
- Click Browse to search for a background picture in other folders or on other drives. You can use files with the following extensions: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .dib, .png, or .htm. In the Position list, click Center, Tile, or Stretch to define how your picture will be displayed, and then click OK or Apply.
- If you want to use a picture from a Web site, on the site, right-click the image, and then click Set as Desktop Background.
To see a colored background you must select none from the Background drop-down menu. Also, if you choose an .htm document as your background picture, the Position options are unavailable; instead, the .htm document automatically stretches to fill the entire background.
Gary Chambers
Add A Colorful Screen Saver With Windows XP!
Brighten your work area when your computer is idle by adding a colorful screen saver. Windows XP contains a large selection.
Choose a screen saver
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Under Pick a task, click Choose a screen saver.
4. On the Screen Saver tab, in the Screen saver list, click the screen saver you want.
5. Click Preview to view the screen saver for a few seconds (move your mouse or press any key to end the preview), and then click Settings to customize its behavior.
When you are satisfied with your choice, click OK.
Gary Chambers