Even if you have never used it, you are probably familiar with the new emerging form of instant communication known as instant messaging, abbreviated as IM. Much resembling the email success, the difference in instant messaging is that the two or more parties exchanging information can do it almost instantly without any waiting period in-between messages. But, as all other computer generated communication systems have been affected by the dangerous viruses out there, so do now instant messenger users have to protect themselves against malicious code that can be easily transferred and downloading directly to their computer.
Various popular programs, like MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Messenger, among many others, allow people to communicate in real time by exchanging written messages, sound or images. Unfortunately, neither this type of communication can be considered anymore sd virus-free. Hackers, virus writers and spyware coders are today able to develop their malicious content and release it with greater speed through the use of such instant messaging online boards. When unaware people open the files supposedly send by the other party, their computers become infected with a possibly highly dangerous virus. Victims of such an unfortunate event reported their computers slowing down or that they even completely stopped responding. Others did not detect that something went wrong, as nothing appeared to change, but later found dangerous spyware installed in their computer, which was tracking down the information they entered and was transmitting it to unknown receivers.
Since this is one more Internet threat, people can take basic precautions to avoid having to face the stressful fact of having one day to format their computer system and loosing all their valuable information. First, one should be extremely careful before deciding to download a file through IM; particularly when the file is send by an unknown counter-party. In the cases when the sender is known, computer savvies advise people to use another medium, like email, phone or some other method, in order to contact directly the sender and secure that the file transmitted is not a virus. Second, it is extremely important for all computer users to frequently update their software operating system. By keeping it up-to-date, they can reduce the chances of having to battle a new threat that their older version was not developed to detect. Third, IM users should use the most updated version of their choice of instant messaging service. Visiting the IM webpage and downloading the most recently published version secures that their computers stay protected against malicious codes using IM software programs to be transferred from one computer to another. Forth, downloading the newest antivirus and antispyware versions is of critical importance. As these programs can detect and remove malicious codes, it is only logical to have them frequently updated so as to increase the security measures taken against possible harmers.
Advantages Of Instant Messaging
There are several ways you can talk to people in person, on the phone, via e-mail, and instant messaging. There are several programs that come with an instant messenger capability. You have the two most popular Yahoo instant messenger and aim messenger, which is AOL's instant messenger. MSN also has an instant messaging program. There is also a program that is called ICQ.
These are all great instant messengers you can use. What is instant messenger? Well it's really dang cool - it's basically like sending a text message to a person on a cell phone. And we all know people who love to text on phones. So instant messaging is a way to talk to your friends, relatives, strangers, bosses or whoever you might want to talk to. Most instant messengers have ways for you to look for friends who have similar interests, live in certain areas, like the same movies as you, or several other things. This is one good way to look for new friends. You can talk to people from other countries. Instant messaging can keep you busy for hours just chatting with friends. It's also a cool way to keep up with relatives instead of running up astronomical phone bills.
Plus with instant messaging, you can also share pictures with people, and sometimes funny videos. Instant messaging is really a cool thing, so flex those fingers and get to typing.
Instant messaging with friends and relatives is as close to talking on the phone. But it's nicer because at times when you're tired of talking, you may be able to beg off on the computer easier than on the phone. In fact, a few times with friends who have become long winded and I've been saying I'm tired and they just keep going on and on. I've actually shut down the instant messenger program, next time I get on I just tell them that I got kicked off the computer. This happens to so many people that they won't even question whether or not it actually happened.
It may not be the nicest thing to do, but at times you just are done with writing. Or another trick to use is to sign in invisible, this way no one can tell you're there, but you can see who comes online. I do this almost all the tie when I'm working. This way I can avoid the interruptions.
Both Kadence Buchanan & Mehmet Onatli are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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