Page 1 of computer hackers

Hi all, any ideas on how i can get rid of the messages on my computer saying (your computer is at risk from hackers) i have some port open bla bla and pay some rip off co. like byebye ads. Surely there must be something i can do to the computer because i never used to get msg`s like this. Any help much appreciated cheers.....

Just get a decent firewall if you want to feel better. As for these mails/pop-ups, just ignore them. They`re worded so`s to play on the insecurities of the `newbie` internet user.

"Your computer is broadcasting it`s IP address" - They`re supposed to.

"Port ### is open , leaving your PC open to potential hacking" - If you didn`t have any ports open, you wouldn`t be able to get on the internet.

Like I said, these messages should be held in the same regard as any other unsolicited mail - bin `em

If you want to you can disable the Messenger Service (not the same as Windows Messenger). Right click on My Computer and select Manage. Click on Services and Applications, then Services. Double click on Messenger, and stop the service. Then set the startup type to disabled. There is a quicker way to get to that screen, but I can`t remember it at this time of the morning ;)

Chris`s tip is v useful but it`s worth pointing out that it applies to those annoying popups Windows 2000 users are plagued with (not sure about ME and XP but I`d imagine they have this too).

Cheers for the advice guys........