I'm talking about programs like msn messenger, or yahoo messenger, ICQ, or google talk.
2006-07-19 22:57:52 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Yes - here are some things to help your protection:
Antiviral. (free)
AVG free. Excellent protection available from: http://www.Grisoft.com
Don't use two antiviral products together as they may be incompatible. If your Antiviral trial has run out, then remove product from your computer and get the AVG installed.
Anti-spyware (all free)
Essential products are: Adaware SE from: http://www.lavasoft.com
Spybot SD http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
Spywareblaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Windows Defender - from Microsoft downloads.
Spycatcher
http://www.tenebril.com/consumer/spyware/spycatcher-express.php
PC starter kit at download.com 20 of the best recommended programes for people new or less advanced in computers. Check all three pages, at bottom see Security/Tools/Fun
http://www.download.com/PC-Starter-Kit/2001-12350_4-0.html?tag=dir
C Cleaner.http://www.ccleaner.com/
This will tell you a lot about what is on your computer, such as running programmes,cookies, History, settings etc. and will help you clean up and remove unwanted items. Be careful how you use it as it is a very powerful programme and you should read the help index before you do anything with it.
2006-07-19 23:02:59 · answer #1 · answered by Mordak 5 · 16⤊ 5⤋
2
2016-08-22 18:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. Aspecially if you accept a file from someone you don't know. Or click on a "bad" link they send you.
ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD PASSWORD that no one can guess, like your age, 12345, password, or anything lame like these.
ALWAYS scan that file with a good anti-virus program and you should be OK to open it. I recommend AVG.
I also recommend all of the following and youll note I have NEVER had a problem. and I have used Yahoo and MSN messenger for Years.
I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)
The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)
The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)<--English version
AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.
These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.
The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)
for further information on computer safety. http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html
2006-07-20 03:09:11 · answer #3 · answered by space_man_stitch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In general, software makes computers vulnerable to viruses. Any kind of software. Basically, if you're running anything on the machine, there is potential for misuse.
There have been viruses and worms written that specifically target IM programs. Best advice is to be running a virus scanner, and if possible be running as a limited user on the system. Running as root or admin is a bad idea.
2006-07-19 23:03:51 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Y! Messenger and MSN Messenger is not always vunurable to anti-virus software. Text in IM cannot plant a virus in your computer.
Unless they give you a link and click it, and get a trojan. Bad.
Or when they send you a file and you accept it, bad.
Anyway, always refrain from unknown links and unknown files trying to be sent by strangers and you will be virus free when using Messengers.
2006-07-20 01:48:15 · answer #5 · answered by Sp()oNg3Y::V.3.[] 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes some of the programs
for eg:
Lan Chat
and in yahoo,msn it depends on u always not to accept files from unknown
in case of mirc it is vulnerable to viruses
2006-07-19 22:59:51 · answer #6 · answered by naveed_ipo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way, becoz of messenger like program uses the antivirus softwares as well as they use the filters so it is not possible.
2006-07-19 23:04:32 · answer #7 · answered by rajhumdum4u 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it isn't any longer rebooting. you're reformatting. sure that receives rid of them, yet that receives quite stressful. purely get Microsoft safe practices needs or Avast! living house version. they're going to guard you from maximum viruses, yet no software in the international will provide up each and everything.
2016-12-01 23:44:38 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, so you must have up-to-dated database of virus definitions in your antivirus software.
2006-07-19 23:08:27 · answer #9 · answered by Mile 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, most esp. those that are using p2p protocol.
2006-07-19 23:12:15 · answer #10 · answered by madfalcon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋