[vn-tech] Blackmailing pop-up-ad stopper :)

[Ta^m Tha`nh Nguye^~n]

Thanks to the help of many users in this forum.  Now, even the Federal
Trade commision has also issued a solution to stop pop-up-messages that
extort people who use uncle Bill's insecured feature without their
knowledge.

---
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/popalrt.htm

Ready to Pop Your Top Over "Pop Up Spam?" Here's How to Make it Stop

Are you interrupted by a stream of "pop up" messages that stop you from
using your home computer until you close them?

Are you tired of seeing one message invariably morph into more  even when
you're not using your Web browser?

Are you frustrated by the fact that many pop up spammers are advertising
software to block the exact type of messages they're sending? It's a
high-tech variation on a classic scam: Pop up spammers want your money to
fix the very problem they created.

Persistent and annoying, pop up spam also is a signal that your home
computer is open to hackers. They could use this vulnerability to take
over your computer and install new programs; view, change, or delete data;
or create new accounts that give them full access to your machine.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer
protection agency, you can block unwanted pop up messages and better
protect your computer from hackers. It's as simple as turning off the
Microsoft Windows feature that allows pop up messages, or installing and
running a firewall. The advantage of a firewall is that it prevents other
types of unauthorized access to your computer, beyond pop up spam. Neither
approach will stop pop up advertisements sent to your browser by a Web
page you are visiting.

Disabling Windows Messenger Service

Pop up spammers are exploiting a feature of the Microsoft Windows
operating systems known as Messenger Service. Despite the name, Windows
Messenger Service doesn't have anything to do with instant messaging. It
is designed to provide users on a local- or wide-area computer network
with messages from the network administrator. For example, a company's
network administrator might send a message to all its users that the
company's network will be shutting down in five minutes. If your home
computer is connected only to the Internet, you may not have any practical
uses for Windows Messenger Service. If your computer is on a business or
home network, however, shutting off Messenger Service might not be the
best approach. Your network should be protected by a firewall.

Disabling the messenger service will prevent the possibility of pop up
spam. To disable the messenger service:

    * Click Start, and then click Control Panel (or point to Settings, and
then click Control Panel).

    * Double-click Administrative Tools. Double-click Services.
Double-click Messenger.
      In the Startup type list, click Disabled. Click Stop, and then click
OK.

Installing and Running a Firewall

Another way to cut off pop up spam is to run a firewall  software or
hardware designed to block hackers from accessing your computer and
getting into your programs and files.

A firewall is different from anti-virus protection: Anti-virus software
scans incoming communications and files for troublesome files; a firewall
helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communications
from unauthorized sources. It's especially important to run a firewall if
you have high-speed Internet access through a cable modem or a DSL
(digital subscriber line) connection.

Some recently released operating system software (including Windows XP)
comes with a built-in firewall. Because it may be shipped in the "off"
mode, check your online "Help" feature for specifics on turning it on and
setting it up properly. If your operating system doesn't include a
firewall, you can install separate firewall software that runs in the
background while you use your computer and surf the Internet. Several free
firewall software programs are available on the Internet. (You can find
one by typing "free firewall" into your favorite search engine.) Or you
can buy a hardware firewall  an external device that includes firewall
software. Like anti-virus software, a firewall needs to be updated
regularly to stay effective.

If you want to complain about a deceptive pop up spam message, use the
FTC's online complaint form at www.ftc.gov. Your complaint will be added
to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel database and made available to hundreds of
law enforcement and consumer protection agencies. Be sure your complaint
includes the name of the company or Web site advertised in the pop up
spam.

For More Information

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair
business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help
consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free
information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free,
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters
Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints
into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of
civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.