To add a friend to the Friend List click the Add Contact button on the toolbar, and follow the instructions contained in the Add a Contact wizard.

There are three ways to change your current status. On the online form with all your contacts, there is a Status button on the toolbar. Click the Status button, and a menu listing all the status states available will appear. Your status will be updated on all your friend's contact list. Your status informs your friends whether you're available or busy.

1. Create a strong password:

Use a combination of numbers, letters and standard symbols (~, #, %), such as qwert%319.

Use at least 6 characters, but no more than 16 characters.

Use something you can remember.

Don't use personal information that someone could easily figure out, such as your birthday, your child's name, or your phone number.

Don't use common dictionary words from any language.

Passwords are case-sensitive, so note which letters you capitalize.

2. Change your password every few months.

3. Never share your password with anyone.

4. Don't respond to any message that asks for your password.

5. Never store your account information and password on your computer. That will make it easier someone to get access to the information. If you do need to write down your account information, make sure you store it in a safe place.

A virus is any computer program that can make copies of itself and spread from one machine to another without the help of a user. Besides duplicating themselves, viruses are often programmed to carry out other actions. These actions are called payloads and vary from annoying (for example, altering someone’s homepage) to damaging (deleting system files). Because viruses are computer programs, they can do anything a normal program can do, including deleting files and formatting hard drives.

There are a number of ways you can protect your computer against these viruses:

1. Many viruses are designed to be sent via your Friend List without their knowledge. Before accepting or clicking an attachment, always check with the contact first to see if they intended to send the attachment to you.

2. If you are ever unsure about an attachment or link, do not double-click it. Delete the file immediately.

3. Be cautious about opening messages from people you do not know. Remember that in Flash IM you decide who is on your Friend List and from whom you want to receive messages.

4. Make sure your computer's anti-virus software is up-to-date (go to your anti-virus company’s Web site or call them to get more information).