Guidelines for using Chatting Applications safely

Be careful downloading files in Chatting or Instant Messenger Never open, accept, or download a file in IM from someone you don't know. If the file comes from someone you dont know, don't open it unless you know what the file is. Contact the sender by e-mail, phone, or some other method to confirm that what they sent was not a virus.
	Visit Microsoft Update to scan your windows computer and install any high-priority updates that are offered to your PC. If you have Automatic Updates enabled, the updates are delivered to you when they are released, but you have to make sure you install them. Similarly, the concern software patches from Linux OS also need to be updated
Use up-to-date version of your Instant Messenger software for a better protection of your computer against viruses and spyware. If you're using MSN Messenger, upgrade to Windows Live Messenger, which will block attachments that might contain malware and allow you to scan attachments for viruses. Similarly for other Instant Messengers like yahoo, AOL should be upgraded.
	Like e-mail viruses, instant message viruses are malicious programs that are designed to travel through IM. Spim is a short form of spam over instant messaging, it uses IM platforms to send spam messages over IM.  Like e-mail spam messages, a spim message also contains advertisements. It generally contains web links, by clicking to on those links malicious code enters into your PC. Antivirus software can help to detect and remove IM viruses from your computer, only if you keep the antivirus software up-to-date. If you've purchased a subscription from an antivirus software company, your antivirus software may update itself when you're connected to the Internet.
Antispyware software can help to protect your computer from spyware and remove any spyware you may already have. If you don't have antispyware software, you can download Windows Defender.