Dangers of Instant Messaging

Instant messaging is much faster than the other ways of internet messaging like e-mails and proffers instant gratification to the user. Nowadays, instant messaging is a popular way of social interactions. Answering e-mails is time-consuming and it does not indicate whether the person you want to communicate with, is online or not. Instant messaging not only saves time and money, but also enables faster messaging and also maintains the natural flow of conversation. Instant messaging is one of the best ways available on the internet, for staying in touch with relatives and friends.

Instant Messaging - Underlying Technology

Instant messaging is usually done using any one of the available instant messenger software applications, easily available on the internet. These software applications enable instant messaging and are provided by companies, which maintain an instant messaging server. Once you login, onto the messenger, the software program sends your IP address and port to the messaging server, which is the necessary information required for online communication. The messaging server allows your computer to stay connected and shows you the list of online colleagues or friends. The server always keeps a track of the people online and also those off-line, so that the messenger can readily indicate this data. When you choose to talk to someone, the messenger software installed in your computer sends a request for the IP address and port number of that person's computer. A direct communication is then established between the two computers. Instant messengers do not use any internet communication standards, but all the messenger companies have standards of their own.

Instant Messaging Dangers

Spam: Spamming refers to the misuse of internet facilities to send the same message to a large number of people, using the internet. Spam messages are repetitive and bulk postings of unsolicited messages. Like email, instant messaging is also prone to spamming. Using reliable spam filters, is a solution that can help you to avoid spam mails. Many instant messengers have an option, using which, spam mails can be disabled. However, the problem with the instant messenger spam filters is that they block everyone who is not on your messenger friend-list.

Personal Information: Any kind of personal information must not be provided when you are opening your account with an instant messaging service. It is a way of finding relatives and friends, but this personal information may be abused by miscreants. For extra care and protection, the option of creating your profiles on the instant messenger must be avoided. Even replying to strangers on the instant messenger and giving them your personal information is risky. You should not use your own name; instead, screen names must be used.

Worms and Viruses Instant messengers are often responsible for worm and virus attacks on your computer. Be careful while clicking on any link, even if it has been sent by a person whom you know. Viruses and worms can come to your computers in any form. Using a good anti-virus software coupled with a strong firewall is a good option. Downloading files may also prove to be dangerous.

You must have a habit of storing all chat sessions and messages, so that they can prove to be useful anytime. Even when instant messages are used for business and corporate purposes, the chat sessions and messages must be stored. If you are using public computers for instant chatting, make sure that computer is not set to remember any passwords. Instant messaging can an enjoyable experience, if a few basic tips of privacy and security are followed. Happy messaging!