Instant Messengers

TAOWBST · Post by **TAOWBST** » Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:40 pm

A not so simple question:

Is it possible to 'catch' a computer virus through using instant messenger services, such as MSN, (downlaod version), Windows Messenger, (part of OS on windows xp and propably later versions), E-messenger, (we based), MSN web messenger, (web based).

For some to work properly it is required that pop-up access is allowed, would this make a difference? Is it possible a virus can gain access to a system through such sevices or is it purely coincidential? Considering if anti-virus, spyware, and firewall software is installed.

Post by **Mike** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:33 am

If you have anti-virus and a firewall then most things will be screened when you download them. I think it is likely that you just need to be savey about any attachments you are sent. That said if you are on MSN you have a list of contacts who presumably you know and trust so they should not be sending things like "excitement.jpg.exe" for example.

All in all it is most unlikely that you could use MSN to attack someones computer, however, I am sure that some bright spark will be trying somewhere.. . . . Just keep uptodate on the version number and you are most likely going to be fine. I was on MSN for 12 hours a day for about 2 years and never had any problems.

TAOWBST · Post by **TAOWBST** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:48 am

Thanks for that,Mike. I was using Windows Messenger earlier this year until the comp got a trojan, and I got banned from using messengers. Its kinda conditional now. I can use messengers but if the comp gets messed up its my fault.