This support section is divided up by the various program 'windows' within Geek Superhero. You can move between sections by clicking the text links at the top of each page.

Disable Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)
DCOM is a rarely used Windows service that allows someone to control programs on another computer. There have been several patches from Microsoft to fix security holes in DCOM, and several major Internet Worms have taken advantage of these security holes in the past.

Disable Windows Message Service (WMS)
WMS is totally different from Windows Messenger or other instant message programs. WMS allows someone to send short messages that appear as a pop-up window on your computer.
WMS was designed for use in a business so an administrator could broadcast messages to all employees or things like that. It is rarely used for this, and is far more often used by "spammers" to send advertisements that pop-up on your computer.
Disabling WMS will not change any Instant Message programs you use at all.

Disable Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP)
UPnP is a way of easily connecting to hardware devices (like printers or scanners) over a network.
If your printer or other hardware connects to your network and is not plugged directly into your computer, then you may need this service. If not, it is unlikely you are using UPnP, and it is safer to turn this service off.
This is also use by Windows' Internet Connection Sharing. If you're using that, leave this service turned on.

Disable Remote Registry Service (RRS)
RRS was designed for businesses so an administrator can check/update the registry settings for employees over a network.
There are a few legitimate tools for businesses that use this service. But for home users, this is unnecessary and a security risk--you really don't want someone editing your registry over a network!
This affects Windows NT, 2000, and XP Pro (but not XP Home).

Turn ON Windows Automatic Update
Windows Automatic Update is a service that can check for patches and updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, etc.
Most of the malicious programs that attack through Windows' security holes are exploiting holes for which a fix is already available--often the fix has been available for months. For the "non-geek" user, the best way to protect yourself is to make sure the Windows Update feature is set to automatically get patches to fix problems, or at least notify you when a new update is available.

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