Help me with my paranoia. >_>

So in the General section, I had been watching the conversations about past hacking sprees and what could be a current one. Things like how keyloggers could be sent in through things such as MSN invites or such. Of course, I, being one of the least tech-savvy people in all of SouthPerry, don't really know what to make of this.

I didn't think I'd ever have any reason to be worried. I don't use social networking sites (unless forums such as SouthPerry count as one), and I certainly don't use chat rooms such as those provided by MSN or IRC. Then earlier today, some random person that I don't know (some Gabrielle person) sends an invite to my Yahoo account to be added to my contacts. (Not only that, but it seems Yahoo has some kind of mobile chat thing intergrated into the mail interface now...) This is something that has never happened before. Of course, I hit decline, also checking a box to block off that person from making any more attempts.

Now, before I start panicking, there are two things I'd like to know:
1) How do those MSN attacks exactly work, anyways? I keep hearing scenarios that essentially sounds like you're screwed the moment someone sends some kind of request to you, but they could be massively exaggerated scenarios, right?
2) It's a Yahoo scenario. Should I have any reason to be worried that I might have been keylogged or something the moment I hit decline or even signed in to check my mail? (Assuming it wasn't just some random mistake.)

For starters... calm down, deep breath... relax.

1. Don't accept anonymous people to your IM buddy lists and close the client when you are done with it. Use this software only when necessary.
2. As far as spyware and malware is concerned... run programs like Spybot Search and Destroy and use it's TeaTimer feature to actively scan in the background. Use an Antivirus that also has a good reputation as well like Microsoft, Avast, Norton, or Comodo.
3. Never use E-Mail clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, etc. Use your email's website interface. This way any email that could be infected is not on your computer and can be deleted safely.
4. Use programs like AdBlock Plus if you use FireFox as a web browser. Don't use Internet Explorer unless absolutely necessary.
5. Keep a low profile on MapleStory and other online activities. In short, don't be an attention whore. The less attention you draw to yourself, the better off you might be.

I suppose that means I have nothing to worry about in this case then. It was likely just a simple invite to be added to my contacts list, and the invite listed a name that sounds completely real instead of something that's an obvious anonomyous username, so it was likely just some random mistake.

Scanning turns up nothing, and Yahoo's the only mail I use. My whole family tends to be quite paranoid with installing anything, especially toolbars. I don't think anyone uses things like Outlook either.

Many thanks.

I'd still like to know how those MSN attacks or such work for future reference. But if that's something that cannot be discussed here, then so be it.

Mostly those work through people sending files that contain malware and such using open ports and backdoors into other people's computers. In short, only download or receive files from people you trust 100%, but even then never open them without performing a thorough scan and confirmation on what's actually inside.