How to stop spam?

[OmniX]

Hi everyone

This is sorta an open question.

I have a message systems that allows any third party person to send messages to the administrators and is done via mysql.

There is no real problem now but I was told what if someone wanted to abuse the system and bombard it with messages so it overflows, or abusive / fake messages, etc.

I gather you get my point now.

So what could I do using php to counter this?

I was thinking maybe something based on retrieving their ipaddress and doing something?

Any Ideas?

Thankyou, Regards X.

PS: The actual form is html with an attached javascript form and then the html form is sent to a php webpage to be processed.

Try using a captcha

[sagedavis]

I agree with Dukane here.
A captcha system is perfect for this type of thing.
Also, if your site is the type that requires a user account for certain things, you should make the ability to message you only available to those users who are logged in
Sage

[OmniX]

That sounds great but what is 'captcha system'?

Thanks

PS: in the mean time ill google it and see what comes up

POST:

Ok just googled it and found out what it is. I was thinking that BUT a few things:

1. Still dosent stop someone spamming/flamming/etc (any sort of malicious activity im trying to avoid) from the same ipaddress (even though it would defer them as the process would be exhausting)

2. How would I implement captcha system using php?

Thanks