If I install EchoLink on my PC, will I start getting viruses and “worms” from the Internet?
In short, no. Unlike software such as e-mail programs, file-sharing programs, and Web browsers, EchoLink does not have any way to accept files or “attachments” that might harm your computer. There are no known cases of EchoLink accepting or spreading a computer virus. Any PC connected to the Internet should always be protected by some sort of Internet security hardware or software. It is important to keep this protection in place even after installing EchoLink. Some users have run into trouble with viruses and worms after installing EchoLink, not because of any problem with the software, but because they had removed or disabled this protection while troubleshooting connection problems. Keep this in mind, particularly if your computer remains connected to the Internet for longer periods of time because you are running EchoLink.
