For Yahoo! Messenger 9.0, we improved how Yahoo! Messenger works with a firewall and upgrading to the latest version will allow you to take advantage of these improvements.

Note: Older versions of Yahoo! Messenger (8.1 and lower) will no longer be able to connect through a firewall.

What is a firewall?
A firewall is security software that prevents unauthorized access to your computer. Many company networks and some home networks have firewalls to keep their computers more secure. Firewalls protect against viruses and other types of malicious software.

Will everyone that uses a firewall need to upgrade to the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger?
Almost everyone who uses a firewall is affected by this issue and will have better results with the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger.

Upgrading to the latest version of Yahoo! Messenger also gives you access to some great new features! Here's a partial list:

• Make video calls with your webcam (Not available in some countries)
• See what your contacts are up to with Yahoo! Updates
• Easily switch among several languages
• Play videos directly in the conversation window—just IM the URL
• Enjoy photo sharing through Flickr
• Invite friends from AOL, Hotmail, Gmail, Facebook, MySpace, and Orkut (Not available in some countries)
• Have friends talk to you from websites through the new Pingbox™ widget
• Play games with friends

What if I don't upgrade to the new Yahoo! Messenger?
If you haven't upgraded to Yahoo! Messenger 9.0 or higher, you won't be able to access Yahoo! Messenger if you have a firewall.