Windows Messenger Live – the New MSN Messenger
Windows Messenger Live is much like its predecessor, MSN messenger 7.5 except with a new appearance, a little more power, and a few awesome new options. Windows Messenger Live has put more power into its webcam option and integrated their conversation tool to make it one. This is for video calls with friends over Windows Messenger Live. Before I used Skype but in true Microsoft fashion anything new that people like and use with computers they make their own version.
Also in Windows Messenger Live they have include what they call a sharing folder. This is a folder that you setup with a friend on your list and you two can exchange files quickly and easily. You just drop the file into the folder and instantly your friend can access the file. This is an awesome feature that allows Windows Messenger Live users to share pictures, documents, and other information quickly.
I have used Windows Messenger Live for about 3 months now and haven’t encountered any problems with its functionality yet. I only use the product at work, so I don’t use the webcam and live chat options yet. I can’t vouch that they work the way Microsoft says they do, but I am sure they work like any other Windows product, good enough that we won’t complain too much.
I also like how Windows Messenger Live allows you to chat with your buddies from Yahoo Messenger. This is great. Now we don’t have to have two messenger programs open at once. This helps to free up system resources and also not clutter the desktop with unwanted crap. This is just another way Microsoft is trying to dominate the PC world, they are making other messengers obsolete, well ok not obsolete but you don’t need to use your yahoo as much and you are using the Microsoft version of messenger program instead of Yahoo’s.
Windows Messenger Live also has the ability to install the Messenger Plus add-on with Windows Messenger Live. Messenger Plus is an amazing add-on to the MSN messenger that had all sorts of great functions. These functions included hot keys to send quick messages, an option to have your contacts floating on your screen, and a boss key that hid MSN in your tool bar as a different ICON so no one was the wiser. Also it allowed you to change most of the functions of MSN messenger to the way you liked it, MSN felt more like it was personalized.
So if you have MSN 7.5 and the Plus add-on and you like it and can’t live without it, then don’t worry you can keep it with Windows Messenger Live. You will keep all your cool little tools and toys. I still use MSN 7.5 on my home PC, but I have gone to Windows Messenger Live for my work PC. I didn’t install the plus package to Windows Messenger Live because I don’t need all the crap that the Plus add-on offers while I am at work. I think that Windows Messenger Live offers a cleaner appearance and less junk than MSN Messenger 7.5. While I am working I don’t need all the add-ons.
You can download your own copies of either software and check them out. See for yourself what features each offer and decide which version is for you. You can download Windows Messenger Live here (http://get.live.com/messenger/overview) and the Plus add-on here (http://www.msgpluslive.net/). You can get MSN messenger 7.5 here (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0B88CCBF-4C52-4347-AA71-87184A13AC1C&displaylang=en). You will then need to download the MSN Messenger plus addition after you have installed either of the two messengers.
Well go get your copy and try it out and find out for yourself what Microsoft is so proud of. I have to admit I like the new version and will probably start using it on all my computers soon.
