MS Messenger as a Server?

[Ausatco]

I use IE6, Service Pack 1 and the most recent Messenger (just updated a few minutes ago.) The question that follows is not peculiar to this new version, I have encountered it in previous versions.

I also use Zonealarm as a personal firewall.

When Messenger starts, a Zonealarm dialogue pops up asking if I want Messenger to act as a server.

What does Messenger want to do by acting as a server?

If I answer "No", what functions/abilities am I disabling in Messenger.

What are the security implications of saying "Yes"?

I'm sure I've read about some of this somewhere, but can't seem to find it now. Your help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

AA

[Hamrah]

As I understand it , ZoneAlarm views anything that involves two way traffic with a computer as a server. MS Messanger has functions involving file sharing, Whiteboard etc, which would trigger Zone Alarm to check you want it to use this functions. As you can't seperate these functions from MS Messanger, you either have to allow it's use or not use MSN Messanger at all.

I allow it's use, but make sure that I have my Virus protection running lie at the time, and I do NOT accept any files offered through MSN MEsssanger, even from a trusted source. HAvn't had a problem so far.


H