Security Enabled???

[Guest xh tag]

Hi everyone. I'm a bit curious about my screenname on AIM and who has it. I was wondering if there was any feature or program out there that would allow me to view who's buddy list I am on. Also, can other people see that I have their screenname somehow? I have been searching all over the web for things that may allow me to see what buddy lists I am on, but so far no luck. I have been to sites like AIMkaos.com and they have some crazy hackers there but that's not what I'm really looking for. I don't want to break any laws of make anyone angry. I have also read somewhere that the AIM protocol does not support the tracking of who has your screenname and who checks your profile. Also, is there any way to see who reads your profile without putting a link in it that people have to click on? And I have one more question. What does that little lock icon signify that appears to the left of screennames on my buddy list? I know middleman can make that show up but I was just wondering if it could have any other significance. Along with that, what does the "Security Enabled" dialog mean? Does that have anything to do with people being able to see who has their screenname, because if it does I would enjoy the use of that feature also! Sorry to drag on for this long but my mind was racing. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!



"A guy and a girl can be just friends, but at one point or another, they will fall for each other... maybe temporarily, maybe at the wrong time, maybe too late, or maybe forever." - Dave Matthews

[Tigerblade]

ok, i'll do the best i can, one at a time.

Originally Posted by Guest xh tag

I was wondering if there was any feature or program out there that would allow me to view who's buddy list I am on.

you can use services like BuddyTree, but that only works if others submit their buddylists to it as well. Otherwise, no, this is not possible.

Also, can other people see that I have their screenname somehow?

only if they go to BuddyTree, and only if you've uploaded your buddylist to that site.

I have also read somewhere that the AIM protocol does not support the tracking of who has your screenname and who checks your profile. Also, is there any way to see who reads your profile without putting a link in it that people have to click on?

you heard correctly. AIM does not give any options for tracking profile views without a link tracker of some sort, which requires that the person click a link.

And I have one more question. What does that little lock icon signify that appears to the left of screennames on my buddy list? I know middleman can make that show up but I was just wondering if it could have any other significance.

from our AIM FAQ:

Q: Some people on my list have a lock icon next to their name, what is it and how do I get one?
A: The lock icon means that the user has encryption enabled for higher security in their IMs. You can get an encryption certificate at this site.

Along with that, what does the "Security Enabled" dialog mean? Does that have anything to do with people being able to see who has their screenname, because if it does I would enjoy the use of that feature also!

this one i dont know about... i'll leave that one to someone else.

Sorry to drag on for this long but my mind was racing.

no problem. we're here to help.

Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

you're welcome

[RU Still Down?]

Originally Posted by Guest xh tag

Along with that, what does the "Security Enabled" dialog mean? Does that have anything to do with people being able to see who has their screenname, because if it does I would enjoy the use of that feature also!

this feature is used to tell you that the buddy you are talking to is using a security certificate. you're conversation will NOT be encrypted unless you BOTH have a security certificate. you can get a free verisign certificate here: http://www.verisign.com/products-ser...ing/index.html

You can also use thrid party software like SecureIM to encrypt your instant messages (again, both parties need to have this software installed.) Note: none of these options will encrypt the logs that are already on your computer. You will need software like WinPT (graphical interface for GnuPG) to encrypt your AIM logs.