A new problem (or nuisance)- the pop up notice box

Now every time someone replies or sends me a message I am getting a pop up window (and a audio alert - which on my computer is a squawk noise) that repeatedly pops up until I go read or delete the messages.

I guess it is hard to have it both ways, but right now that is quite an annoyance.  You are probably already on it, but if not, could you set it up to where there is just the message at the top of the page instead of the popup?

While I am whining and wishing - it would be great if there was  distinction made between forum message replies and private messages.

Thanks.