hey all, I was playing a game in multiplayer when this guy wrote that he had my ip address and he plans to hack my computer. I have xp service pack 1 and I have Norton Anti-Virus 2002 (auto-protect on)With all the latest updates. I don't know what to do. Thanks for any help. Gigz

Ok, I would not take them too seriously, this person can plan all he wants you are going to take steps to make it difficult for anyone to do so. Alright!!! Some things to think about: If you are connecting to the internet using a phone line with dial-up modem you probably have a dynamic IP address which means every time you sign-on your ISP assigns a different IP address. If you have a Cable or DSL more than likely your IP address is static or never changes. Generally the only way someone can possibly get into you computer using your IP address is for you to give them your username, passwords etc. or there is a virus or trojan or some sort of spyware that will inform them of the necessary information. Here are some things you can do to limit the possibility of intrusions: -Deactivate "file and printer sharing". (Right click on your internet connection should be in network and dial-up connections then uncheck "Client for Microsoft Networks" and "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" -If you are not using a firewall, go and download something like the free version of Zonealarm. This is an easy firewall to learn, and will help stop any intrusion by setting the firewall so nothing has port access unless you allow it. Not only that but a firewall will stealth your ports so it will look as if you are not even there or on-line. -Make sure your sign-on user name and password are difficult to determine. They should be strong http://www.circa.ufl.edu/password/ Change your Windows Login user name from "administrator" to something strong also. Also don't use "Guest". Make it difficult for a hacker to figure out both the name and password. You can test example passwords at this site http://www.securitystats.com/tools/password.asp -Never click on any .exe file in e-mail or execute a download from on the net if you don't know what it is for. -Set IE to not accept ActiveX or Java scripts unless you decide to. -Use a virus Program. (and you are) -Use a Spyware detection and removal program such as Spybot search and destroy. -You can also use a trojan detection program such as TrojanHunter. (A good free virus and trojan detection program is Gladiator or GAV). -Make sure you have all the Microsoft security updates for Windows installed.

Even if you are DSL connected, it is rare to be hacked by a person targeting you special. Just take all the usual precautions as mentioned above and don't worry. It could happen, but very unlikely, as it's likely some punk script kiddie trying to impress.

This is the classic script kiddie.

"Generally the only way someone can possibly get into you computer using your IP address is for you to give them your username, passwords etc. or there is a virus or trojan or some sort of spyware that will inform them of the necessary information." what about the thousands of vounabiltiys (buffer overflows, zone mismangment in IE, ssh holes, do i need to mention outlooks defult settings and bugs) in everyday softwere. + whatever services this person has running open to the world from a defult install of xp. But really, its most likly a script kiddy tring to scare u, a good firewall should keep 98 % of the elit script kiddys away. Just remeber if someone really wants to get in to your computer they will. You can just make it harder for them.