Instant messaging revisited....

[Papa Deuce]

Which one can I trust to install to not put a bunch of junk in my system ( spyware, and the like )....

 

[disneynutt1225]

I've had AIM (Aol Instant Messenger) for years and never had a problem. I use it through iChat now, and I love it. I also use MSN and that doesn't seem to give me any problems either.

 

[MushyMushy]

I'm pretty sure Trillian is extremely safe.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I found this one.... it is open source, so usually this means no junky stuff.

http://www.pidgin.im/

 

[Froggyswife]

I use MSN messenger. What ever you do don't download YAHOO!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I use MSN messenger. What ever you do don't download YAHOO!

Why would you say that?

 

[jsmith]

Im interested in the yahoo comment as well-if you get rid of all the optional stuff you shouldnt have issues-the danger of ANY instant messaging client is not the client its self-none of the big three or trillian will down load with nasty stuff-its what comes when they are logged in-the function of an IM client-by its nature-is that it by passes all of your security-and if you open your fire wall to allow the Ims-you allow what comes with them. SO-the spyware-nasty viruses and stuff-all come in ims themselves-join a yahoo chat room-or MSN or AOL for that matter-and you will immediately be bombarded by messages from "bots" -automated programs-thats where the nasty stuff comes from-also viruses and spyware can be passed as links in IMs-so basically its the content and usage-not the client its self that cause you issues.-they also allow scans of your computer that your firewall may not see. As with anything else-they are not dangerous if used properly-but YMMV-and becareful-oh my favs-yahoo for usablity-and the other one i use alot is very secure -but not a public tool-the java messenger that is part of army knowledge on line is awesome-no bugs can come thru it.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

DH uses www.meebo.com to access Yahoo IM when he is at work since the Army won't let him have any IM service downloaded on his work computer. I think you can sign into other IM accounts as well but only 1 at a time.

No downloading required.

I have never had an issue with Yahoo but have had major issues with AIM when I downloaded it on my last laptop (it kept causing my system to crash). Once I removed AIM the crashing stopped.

 

[lalijack]

DH uses www.meebo.com to access Yahoo IM when he is at work since the Army won't let him have any IM service downloaded on his work computer. I think you can sign into other IM accounts as well but only 1 at a time.

No downloading required.

I have never had an issue with Yahoo but have had major issues with AIM when I downloaded it on my last laptop (it kept causing my system to crash). Once I removed AIM the crashing stopped.

You can also access MSN Messenger and Google Chat through Meebo. I've never had a problem using Meebo, but the smilies are limited. Just sayin....

 

[bicker]

The one that I've found that has the lightest footprint is Miranda IM.