If you don’t like sending Google Talk instant messages in the clear, you can encrypt them using a home SSH server. The Security Hacks weblog runs down how using the baked-in SSH utility for Mac OS X or freeware app, Plink, for Windows. (For another take, see our previously-posted how to set up a home SSH server tutorial.) If your IM encryption needs extend beyond GTalk, check out Gina’s guide to encrypting chat sessions using Gaim (now Pidgin).