Online chatting; is it a dangerous practice?

Hi Doctordidi, I don't think so. I never observed it is a dangerous to the computer, it may get problem when you share the photos which are not scanned or carrying virus. Have a nice day.

Because i chat with only known persons, my sons and my daughter and my hubby if he is on long tour, i never faced any problem, i have never visited any chat room, hubby says it is full of scammers.. Just don't know if securty of computer is effected or antivirus may help or not thanks for this nice discussion cheers kalyani

it depends i guess on where you chat but with yahoo messenger i have no problems, as long as you wont be careless in receiving files, the anti virus i use is avira

I've been chatting online from time to time for almost as long as I've been a user of the internet and I've never had any security issues with my computer because of chatting with other people online. However, I do have a good antivirus on my computer and I have my computer set up to do at least one scan a week. I am usually able to catch any security breaches that I have on my computer almost as soon as they occur.

The only concern where treats to the computer when you doing online chatting is when you are transferring and receiving files to either party, in that case, you need to have the anti virus software to protect your computer from viruses infection. With the anti virus software installed, your files will be scanned before you received it and thus it can save your computer from unexpected disaster.

I think that. So, I chat online a little.

Make sure you don't IM with someone you don't trust. It is always important to have a good anti-virus device. Viruses can come from everywhere. I do a scan everyday and I have an average of 12 'risks' daily. Without it can you imagine the problems that can arise from not having a good security system?

I don't online chat very much but am not concerned while I do it as I do not reveal too much about me that would drive anyone to want to steal from me. I use Norton's Symantec Endpoint for years and very pleased as it update live each night.

Hi Doctor, I have a colleague that keeps her online chat open all day. Needless to say her PC unit keeps on crashing due to virus attacks and I have to reformat it every time. Personally, I don't open my chat machine for long periods of time. I just log in and log out immediately after taking in the messages, chatting for a few minutes at most.

I don't think chatting online i dangerous as long as you do not get to personal. As far as your computer is concerned, regular computers such as PC's are known for getting viruses, but if you have a MAC then that should not be an issue. I have been using a Mac for many years and have never had any problems with viruses. I am confident in my computer.

I don't think online chatting is a dangerous practice unless you're using a secure website or program. If you're not using a secure website or program then you should install the Norton Anti Virus device, it's the best I've ever used so far.

so far I do not have problems while chatting with Ym. I suggest using esset smart security for the protection of your computer.