Instant messaging, commonly referred to as IM, is a method of online communication, like e-mail. There are a few notable differences, however, between IM and e-mail.
IM is generally faster than e-mail and instant messages are not typically saved the way e-mail is. IM also requires a special software program like Windows Live Messenger,(previously called MSN Messenger) Windows Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, or others.
Using an IM program, you and your friends can type what you want to say in a box and see each other's messages almost instantaneously.
Just as you may receive unwanted e-mail (spam), you and your family may also receive unwanted instant messages (often called "spim"). These instant messages might be from complete strangers or from people you know but don't want to communicate with. They may even contain harmful viruses.
Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger both make it easy for you to block these unwanted messages. Controlling your contact listsMost IM programs allow you to build a contact list (also known as a "buddy list"), which is similar to the address book in your e-mail program. You can choose to allow anyone to add you to their
contact list or you can restrict your contact list to only people you want to hear from. You can also choose to block all incoming messages from everyone except the people on your contact list.
 Tip Depending on your situation, it's a good idea to restrict your children's contact lists to only people you know and approve of. For more information, see Kids & the Internet: Frequently asked questions.
Blocking unwanted IM with Windows Live MessengerWindows Live Messenger can block unwanted instant messages by: | • | Blocking certain people from adding you to their contact lists | | • | Only receiving messages from people on your contact list |
To block certain people from adding you to their contact lists 1. |
In Windows Live Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Options.
| 2. |
Click the Privacy tab, and then select the checkbox next to Alert me when other users add me to their contact lists.
| 3. |
Click OK.
When someone tries to add you to his or her contact list, Windows Live Messenger asks your permission. If this request is from a stranger or someone you don't want to hear from, select the Block this person from seeing when you are online and contacting you checkbox.
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To receive messages only from people on your contact list 1. |
In Windows Live Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Options.
| 2. |
Click the Privacy tab, and then select All others from My Allow List.
| 3. |
Click Block. This will prevent anyone not on your contact list from sending you messages or adding you to their contact lists.
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Blocking unwanted IM with Windows Messenger
By default, Windows Messenger is set to allow anyone (All other users) to see when you're online.
1. |
In Windows Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Options.
| 2. |
Click the Privacy tab.
| 3. |
Click the Block button to move All other users to your Block List , and click OK.
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Now as you selectively add friends, family, and co-workers to your contact list, Windows Messenger automatically adds them to your Allow List. When other users wish to add you to their contact lists, Windows Messenger warns you, and you have the choice of allowing or blocking their request.
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