How do I disable onscreen popup alt shortcut indicators?

I'm using Windows 7 64 bit

In programs in windows, when I tap or hold alt too long, a bunch of onscreen letters in boxes pop up.

Letters which are lined up with menu/tool bar items so you can push that letter and operate the item as if you were clicking on it with your mouse.

Problem is I hit alt a lot, then change my mind. So when I press another key after, something unexpected usually happens if I don't remember to alt back out.

Is there a way to disable this feature. So that when ever I let go, tap or held it's as if I had never pushed it in the first place?

It may be handy if those letters only popped up while holding for so long, but still went away if I let go, and all buttons return to a non-alt shortcut mode.

If not I would like to get rid of them all together, and just use alt shortcuts without the help.