- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/NT
- Date added: December 15, 2006
- Total Downloads: 9,633,993
- Downloads last week: 23,690
- See full specifications
A newer version of Yahoo Messenger is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1083 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
Yahoo Messenger 8 with voice capabilities is a step up from the already impressive older versions, and a must-download for regular users of YIM. The most notable update is the integration of messaging services with Windows Live, a process that allows you to add Windows Live users as simply as your Yahoo buddies. While this new feature isn't nearly as interoperable as Trillian, the plus side is users can still enjoy the lively emoticons and avatars, the extensive plug-in library developers can contribute to, and VoIP services exclusive to the Yahoo experience. Users should be forewarned that the download stub will finish installing the program online, and that the download includes bundled software that may install unwanted programs. In the preinstallation window, click over to custom install to deselect the extra browser services such as the Yahoo toolbar. We could also live without the all-consuming corporate sponsorship of the IMVironments and the heavy-handed branding in the avatar section (who uses those, anyway?), and it would be nice to see a link to hidden smileys in the emoticon drop-down, but these are minor niggles when weighed against the benefits of a user-friendly, feature-rich chat client that only continues to improve.
Watch the CNET video review of Yahoo Messenger:
Publisher's description
From Yahoo :Yahoo Messenger is a free service that allows you to see when friends come online and to send them instant messages. It also can alert you to new e-mail in your Yahoo Mail or Yahoo Personals accounts, or when you have upcoming events recorded in your Yahoo Calendar. Yahoo Messenger offers firewall support, a standby mode that minimizes the program until an Internet connection is made, the ability to save and print your conversations, and a tabbed interface that provides quick access to your favorite stocks, news, and sports scores. Other features include the ability to create a chat room automatically, stock price alerts, the ability to send messages to friends (even if they're not online when you are), a Quick Compact mode that hides the Messenger tools to maximize your viewing area, Messenger Themes, and voice chat, which allows you to talk for free to anybody else on the Internet. It also includes Launchcast Radio, Yahoo Games, and Yahoo Audibles. Using a Webcam, you can see who you're chatting with or view the Webcam of any Yahoo member who has granted you access.
The latest release of version 8.1 is a highly critical security fix that plugs a hole where an attacker could take over you computer.
Note: The Download Now link leads to a small setup file which should be saved to your desktop. Initiate the file and follow the directions to download the rest of the program and begin the installation process. Remain connected to the Internet to complete installation.
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User reviews of Yahoo Messenger 8.1.0.209
- Average user rating: 3.1 stars out of 1083 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 51 user reviewsSee all 51 user reviews
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8 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Version: Yahoo Messenger 8.1.0.209
Pros: Ease of use since its lower version. Free software is what I like most. Regarding with its interface...cool! Im using this software for almost three years and found no problems with it.
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Yahoo Messenger 8.1.0.209
Pros: Yahoo Messenger delivers an attractive interface with the ability to chat with your friends on MSN as well.
Cons: While I was once a big fan of Yahoo Messenger, unfortunately it too has gotten bloated. I miss the days when I could download a new program and install it without having to click off every other program the company offers. Believe it or not if I wanted Yahoo Toolbar or Yahoo Music, I can go get them myself!
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2 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Yahoo Messenger 8.1.0.209
"this thing did not work on my media center pc"
Pros: first i installed it and it was ok then i open the program then i closed it and after i could not get back in there even i click the icon never pop up i resinstalled it. after i rebooted my pc and i still have the same problems
Cons: did not work
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Yahoo Messenger 8.1.0.209
"Excellent communication tool"
Pros: Its easy to use and it has many useful features like photo sharing, voice and webcam. Its also quite stable.
Cons: None that comes to mind
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0 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Yahoo Messenger 8.1.0.209
"it will help people communicate with each other."
Pros: you can chat with other people online.
- See all 51 user reviews Write review
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