Sorcha,

Go into IM and open the preferences and read each carefully. There's a lot in there, and they have it set default to give Messenger/Yahoo the most access to you and your information.

I have it set so that it can never download or upload, so that it never shows I'm online to anyone who isn't in my list of people I talk to (and that's real short). The darned thing will let in anyone who's poking around for someone to chat with otherwise.

I also have it set so that none of the Yahoo web site functionality is in use or installed. It can try to take over your browser if you're not careful.

Other than the fact that it's a pain in the ass, it's a powerful program and can do a lot. I've never tried most of the features (voice, web cam, etc.).

SRS