Microsoft have just posted a security warning on their Windows Live blog: Security alert: Active links in Messenger 2009 temporarily turned off to prevent a malicious worm. They are alerting users that there is a malicious worm currently trying to spread itself through IM networks, including Windows Live Messenger 2009 (Wave 3).

The worm spreads by inserting a link into an IM conversation with a person whose computer is already infected. When someone clicks the link, it opens in a browser, downloads the worm on the recipient’s computer, and then repeats this process.

This however does NOT concern users of the latest version of the software – Windows Live Messenger 2011

Stay alert!

Regards

Marc Liron – Ex-Microsoft MVP (2004-2010)

Microsoft has made the new version of Messenger more social, says Jamie Cannon, group product manager for Windows Live. “We like to think of Messenger as your people app. It’s the one place to stay up to date on all the social networks you belong to.”

In addition to the familiar IM service, Messenger now brings together all the content from a user’s social networks. It incorporates updates and newsfeeds from sites such as Facebook and MySpace, and lets users comment on them right from Messenger. Users can easily share photos across their networks, plus Messenger introduces an immersive experience for viewing friends’ photo galleries from Facebook. Inline video eliminates the need to leave Messenger to watch YouTube videos that friends post.

The Windows Live team also included updates to improve chat. For example, high-definition video chats are now available through Messenger. And users can hold multiple conversations at the same time through the new tab chat feature. Facebook chat, another feature, lets people IM across networks.

“We didn’t want to create another social network,” Cannon says. “We really designed Messenger to help you stay in touch with the people that matter to you most, wherever they already are.”

Regards

Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP (2004-2010)