MSN Messenger

[emma blue]

If I download MSN Messenger on my work PC will anything bad happen like viruses etc !!

[pjm007]

I would think that it would only be possible to get a virus through MSN Messenger if you open files that people send you, i.e Music file, pictures .etc.

[dodgyshirt]

Wrong, worms such as Serflog are transmitted via messenger and will infect the receiving PC unless it has an up-to-date A/V programme.

[stevie21]

The Serflog worm sends itself to your Messenger contacts as a .pif or .scr file so if you refuse this transfer then you do not catch the worm from the other infected PC.

If you do accept the transfer, AND have an up to date virus scanner which is configured to scan anything incoming via Messenger (I'd say this would be near impossible for the average user to do in work) then you'd be OK.

I'd have to disagree with dodgyshirt here.

Finally, I would refuse to download ANY files which end .pif or .scr sent in Messenger or anywhere else. It may look like your friend is sending them to you, but it's likely to be a worm/virus.

[brachiopod]

Will anything bad happen?

Yes, you could be disciplined or even sacked. Does your company have a 'use of computer resources' policy ? Make sure you check this out - as downloading programs could be construed as a disciplinary offence.

These policies and rules are there for a reason, in that unauthorised downloading / use of such programs can open the door for virus / worm infections on your company's server.

[dodgyshirt]

Stevie, my daughter infected my main server PC through Messenger without accepting any file transfer and other users she was `talking' to became infected immediately.
Unfortunately this happened the very day that Serflog was released into the wilds and the A/V programme I was using at the time, Avast, had not had the chance to be be updated to combat it. Depends upon your definition of up-to-date I suppose.
Luckily Symantec had a downloadable tool to get rid of it.