Current users of
Microsoft Windows Live Messenger and
Yahoo Messenger with Voice beta can now use a beta program to exchange messages with each other, see each other online, send offline IMs, and select shared emoticons. This beta test marks the first interoperability announcement from the major IM services players; previously, one had to use a third party, such as
Trillian. Current users will be prompted to participate in the beta test. If you are using an older version of Microsoft Live Messenger or Yahoo Messenger, you can still join by visiting either
http://ideas.live.com or
http://messenger.yahoo.com.

As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at
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