Ask Leo!: Instant Messaging

Why does my computer make the sound of a door slamming from time to time?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:49:01 -08:00

I get the noise of a door being slammed on my computer from time to time. Why?

]]> My psychic abilities tell me: you're running AIM - AOL Instant Messenger.

OK, it wasn't my psychic abilities, but it was a hunch, a comment by my assistant that she'd experienced this also, a question ("you running an IM program, and if so which one?") and a test.

I do get people reporting periodic unexpected sounds from their computer and I'm fairly convinced they've simply forgotten that's what their IM programs do.

I'll show you the setting in AIM.

Can someone I'm IM'ing with see my machine or hard disk?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:05:30 -08:00

Is it possible for a friend in MSN messenger (or a supposed good friend) to tap into my hard drive once a connection is established with this person? There is one who is an old flame and I wonder at her occasional conversations if indeed she could be snooping such as in My Pictures folders, etc. I do not save any conversations so that could not be found.

]]> Not if you've set things up properly and follow normal security precautions, no.

And even then, in most cases, it's still extremely difficult.

In reality there's nothing all that special about instant messaging. As long as you take into account all the appropriate cautions for security the most the other person might be able to get is your IP address. And as we've spoken of time and time again, that's not very useful.

Let's review what you need to do to stay safe.

How do I Uninstall Windows Live Messenger?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:09:10 -08:00

I installed Windows Live Messenger 2009 (aka Messenger 9) and it's not working for me so I want to uninstall it. Problem is it's not listed in Control Panel. Like others uninstalling Messenger 9 I've deleted the files from the systems disk but whenever I try reinstalling Messenger 8.5 it says that I'm still using 9.0. Should I give up and just reformat my whole system?

]]> I've been getting variations on this question a lot lately because people can't seem to resist installing Beta software. (Hint: don't - no matter what anyone says - unless you really know what you're doing.)

As with all Beta software, there may be problems and you may find yourself wanting to revert to the previous version.

Except in this case Microsoft has done a nice job of hiding the uninstaller. Yes, it's there, it's just not obvious. And no, a reformat isn't required.

Does installing a chat program pose any additional risks?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:08:26 -08:00

My 14year-old daughter wants to install an MSN chat program on my computer. Does this pose an additional risk for viruses and/or crashes to my computer? I need my computer for work and can't afford any of those problems.

]]> Yes and no.

In the proper hands, with the requisite amount of common sense and awareness a chat program need be no more dangerous than any other program you install. But naturally in the wrong hands it does open some additional windows of malicious opportunity.

I guess it kind of boils down to this: how much do you trust your daughter to be safe?

Why am I getting instant messages from people I don't know?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:36:24 -08:00

Today when I turned on my computer, there was a IM from someone I didn't recognize. I closed it as I figured it was just someone up to no good. I always thought you had to get the permission before someone would accept instant messages from you. My son has seen this also. Do you think this was someone that knew us both? Or do you think it's trouble brewing? I've never heard of this before.

]]> Is it someone who knows you? Probably not. Trouble brewing? Perhaps.

But it's trouble that's easily avoided.