Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
This program improves on its predecessor, MSN Messenger, with the ability to share folders and files locally with fellow users. Windows Live Messenger also serves up the standard emoticons, multiplayer-only gaming, free PC-to-PC calling, mobile phone messaging, and video chatting in a full 640x480-pixel screen. VoIP capabilities allow you to call telephones around the world for a fee, although you can't receive inbound calls from landlines or cell phones.
During the quick installation, Windows Live Messenger offers optional shortcuts, a sign-in assistant, and Rhapsody music software, as well as the ability to change your Internet Explorer home page to MSN. You can store up to 600 contacts, integrated with your Windows Live Mail account. We found the integration a bit heavy-handed, especially when links opened in IE rather than our default browser. Also, like most dedicated chat clients, the program is a memory hog.
The Sharing Folders feature lets you and your buddy transfer files by displaying a mirror of each others' files. You can drag and drop files into the chat window or Sharing Folder. Microsoft includes a free scanner for checking files for viruses, but it didn't recognize our Symantec AntiVirus. It's unclear whether the shared files are stored on both computers or on Microsoft servers, but you can access the files offline. We wish help were offline, too, especially since the online help is so general. While Windows Live Messenger isn't yet the ultimate communications hub, it's a solid, fun, multimedia chatting tool.
Windows Live Messenger:Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
The new MSN Messenger lets you see, hear, and share with your friends instantly. There are many new features added into this streamlined and easy-to-use application: Video Conversation and Audio Conversation*, winks, dynamic display pictures, shared searches, improved photo sharing with Photo Swap and PC to mobile phone text messaging.**
In addition to these new features, you will find all the things you expect from an instant-messaging service. You can see if your friends are online and what their status is; control whether you appear online, offline, busy, or away; have as many open conversations as you want; and be notified of new e-mail in your MSN Hotmail account.
The new MSN Messenger has all the things you need in an instant messenger, plus an array of new ways to communicate online.
*Audio Conversation and Video Conversation requires both parties to have microphones and speakers. Video Conversation also requires web cameras.
**Free offer does not include any charges made by the recipient s wireless carrier for receiving or replying to messages.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 622 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 95 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"1337"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
the best IM available! more users than yahoo or aim and easy to use!
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"Best Chat Service out there"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
There is nothing wrong with this also its really popular
Cons
nothing
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"Yahoo! Messenger much better"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
It does its job and has plenty of entertaining features.
Cons
There are loads of cute little links that wind up in places that want to charge you money. Just not the spirit of the internet - it should be about free stuff and porn. Preferrably free porn.
Yahoo! Messenger is just much better at nearly everything.
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"GREAT AND GOOD!"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
VERY GOOD
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"Whats so good about yahoo that msn doesnt have?"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
I think msn is the best messenger i have tryed but i havent tryed google talk since you have to be invited or somthing. Yahoo doesnt seem as clean as msn but it may just be because of the lay out being old style computer [windows 95 sort of thing] Msn has everything you would want in my opinion ; audio, webcam, emocicons and you can add your own emocicons which on yahoo can cant do i dont think.
Cons
Version 7 and below doesnt come with different text colours and sound clips but if you downlaod msn pluys also its great. (The new msn [7.5]is much better im told but for some reason my computer refuses to down load it and it freezes up).
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"I like it"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
I like its new features, such as winks, nudges, and it can show the music you're listening.
Cons
It sometimes disconnects itself. Always got error in transfer. More ads than 6.2.
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"GET GOOGLE TALK"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
THIS SUCKS!!!
Cons
talk.google.com check it!
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"it is fast"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
all
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"Not the best"
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
Winks, nudges, smileys. The only reason I keep my hotmail account is because of msn!
Cons
Annoying tabs that take a long time to load. Graphic advertising at bottom of main window, text advertising at the bottom of conversation windows.
Yahoo messenger is more functional and reliable. MSN often has problems connecting (sometimes due to congestion) and sometimes crashes. Not the best IM program out there...
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"Excellent, generally problem-free, and very user friendly."
Version: MSN Messenger 7.0
Pros
MSM Messenger never stops improving. It allows you a wide number of actions, from instant-messaging your friends while playing games with them to having a video-conference complete with sound and good reception. This software is also free, connects to your email (usually, only to Hotmail.com and Msn.com servers) and lets you change your username (as compared to AOL instant messenger). I highly recommend MSN Messenger, along with it's addons:MSN Beta and MSN Plus.
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