MSN Messenger 7.0

• Quick specs
• Price: Free
• Operating system:
• Date added: April 21, 2005
• Total Downloads: 15,500,035
• Downloads last week: 72,972
• See full specifications

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A newer version of MSN Messenger is available.

Download the latest version | Learn more about Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.0726

(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

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.

Publisher's description

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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