If you are new to multi-player games or are unsure of the best way to go about getting involved in the phenomenon, chances are you will have a few questions regarding the gaming culture and the background technology that supports it.  Unfortunately, online and multiplayer games tend to nurture a culture of seasoned gamers bullying and teasing new players, so it is important for beginner gamers to feel that they can get the answers to some of the more obvious questions without being ridiculed.

One of the most common questions asked is, 'Will my identity remain anonymous?'.  Many people quite legitimately have concerns that through playing online other people may be able to maliciously gain access to their personal information, including their real name and address and perhaps even their passwords, bank details and private documents stored on their computer. 

Generally, if you don't give out the information yourself (in a conversation over an instant messenger service or in an email, for instance), you should be kept safe from such malicious attacks.  There are, however, always opportunists looking for the chance to gain access to your personal documents and information, so if you are concerned it is advisable that you install a firewall and antivirus program.