| ut instant messaging (IM), many people would feel lost | | | | know, it is as imperative to refrain from clicking on links |
| on their computer, if not socially. IM is a simple way to | | | | that people send to you in an IM message. |
| get in touch with someone without calling them on the | | | | Configure your settings so no one can contact you at |
| phone. | | | | all unless you have personally added them to your |
| When you are on the computer using one of these | | | | contact list. That way you will not inadvertently click on |
| programs, you can simply double click your contact's | | | | a link carelessly on the incorrect assumption that you |
| name and type a message to them in real time | | | | know the person sending it to you. |
| without having to wait for them to read an email. As | | | | If you inadvertently click a link that downloads a virus |
| long as the person you want to contact is online using | | | | to your computer, it will continue to eat away at your |
| the same IM program, you will be able to initiate an | | | | data until it is finished collecting all your information or |
| online "conversation." | | | | spreading dangerous programs on it. |
| Popular IM Versions | | | | Other Security Programs |
| The most popular instant messenger programs are | | | | You will find a degree of security in some of the |
| Yahoo, Microsoft MSN, and AOL - which have all been | | | | newer firewalls, anti-spyware programs, and anti-virus |
| available for quite some time. These programs are all | | | | programs that work with your IM programs to help |
| widely used which makes them vulnerable to attack | | | | repel or capture and destroy potential viruses. |
| from hackers who are eager to send worms or | | | | If such software doesn't clearly state that it works |
| computer viruses to others' computers. | | | | with instant messenger programs then most likely it |
| For computer thugs, the use of IM has become even | | | | does not - so try to purchase one in which IM program |
| more popular for sending a virus than through email | | | | protection is included. |
| simply because people have become increasingly | | | | Viruses and worms are prevalent on the Internet, and |
| aware of email security. Additional computer | | | | hackers are very persistent in their attacks against |
| vulnerability is created because many people leave | | | | computers. It is up to you to make sure you have |
| their IM's on all day, even when they aren't using the | | | | every security loophole blocked and your computer |
| computer. | | | | has maximum protection. |
| Learning Safety Tips | | | | Many people are confused by the seemingly maze of |
| That isn't to say you need to close down your IM | | | | different types of security software needed on their |
| program and give it up entirely. Rather, you should learn | | | | home computer and therefore don't want to bother. |
| how to use it safely so that your computer stays | | | | They often don't understand what each type |
| uninfected while you are on it. It comes to a matter of | | | | accomplishes, the protections they offer, or the |
| using common sense. Just as you wouldn't open an | | | | limitations of each. Just a little time committed to |
| attachment in your email from someone you don't | | | | self-education will pay off in the long-run. |