Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Those using Microsoft applications sometimes have difficultly when using a Mac. Microsoft Messenger for Mac helps keep track of instant messenger communications while using a Mac OS.
Microsoft Messenger for Mac is available for download as freeware with no paid upgrades necessary. In addition to the fast download, the installer was well designed, getting the program loaded and running in under a minute. After we accepted the user agreement and signed in with an instant messenger username and password, the interface appeared just as it does on Microsoft operating systems. Even for those who are not familiar with the program, it is easy to navigate despite the lack of instructions. Buttons for video, calls, messages, mail, and contacts are simple and easily distinguishable based on their graphics. The indicators for those contacts online and offline were clear to read. The interface also allowed easy selection of online contacts for sending new messages. As with any Microsoft product, there is good support available for any technical issues encountered. The program, even it's closed, remains active in the background to notify the user when any new messages are received. There are no additional features, but this is not a problem due to the free program's limited function.
For those who use instant messenger but do not have a Windows OS available, Microsoft Messenger for Mac performs all of the expected functions at no cost.
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
Microsoft Messenger for Mac 8 provides real-time collaboration between people in different locations. You can use instant messaging and audio and video calls to communicate with your contacts. You can sign in to Messenger for Mac 8 by using a Windows Live ID. Windows Live IDs include all e-mail accounts ending in "@live.com", "@hotmail.com", "@msn.com" and other accounts registered with Windows Live. Top of page
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All versions:
2.7 starsout of 191 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 4 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-4 of 4
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"Some strange behavior"
Version: Microsoft Messenger 8.0.1
Pros
Easy enough to use
Cons
Seems to sign you off because it says your signed in somewhere else?
Summary
This works OK on a Mac. But one strange behavior is that for example if I sign into my Hotmail on Safari the Messenger app signs me out? I realize their is a Messenger option in Hotmail page. But why does it sign out of Messenger? Other then that it works OK and provides a decent App.
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"Works ok, but some glitches"
Version: Microsoft Messenger 8.0.1
Pros
Easy to use, visually clear
Cons
The biggest issue: Not being able to identify where you're logged in if booted off because you're supposedly logged in at another location.
Summary
For the most part it works fine. But it's frustrating to try to sort out a login glitch. On the PC version, you can identify where you're logged in if at different locations. On the Mac version, however, this option isn't available. I've currently stopped using the software because of this -- I've been booted multiple times a day, even though I only use one computer to login to Messenger, and log out after using Hotmail or Windows Live. Until that glitch is solved, I'll likely use another way to access Messenger.
In reading additional reviews, I've also encountered the "Crashing upon logging in" issue, multiple times in a day at times, but not every day.
Updated on Nov 4, 2011 -
"Friendly user"
Version: Microsoft Messenger 8.0.1
Pros
It has everything on it.
Cons
Very slow to log in
Summary
Its a quite good application. It has the necessary things i need. Version 8 onward still has the features of the windows live but not quite surprising and more under active compared to other online messengers application.
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"Actually pretty good"
Version: Microsoft Messenger 8.0.1
Pros
It does what it says it'll do, it does it quite well. Audio and video chat.
Cons
Not many. It can take a while to log in, longer than YIM or iChat.
Summary
From version 8 onwards, it's actually quite a good application. Its feature set it still trails the Windows version, but that's not particularly surprising. It now video and audio chats on the public Live/Hotmail network, with Windows clients, which was the #1 complaint about the old versions. The corporate stuff has been pulled out into another app, simplifying and un-junking Messenger for the 99% of people who will never use OCS server. It also seems to be under more active development than YIM. Basically, a lot of people just don't like the Microsoft badge on it.
Results 1-4 of 4
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