CNET Editors' review
Get social over the long-established, well-rounded chat and VoIP client Yahoo Messenger and you'll find drag-and-drop capabilities and contact importing from friends other IM, e-mail, and social-networking accounts who are also on Yahoo chat. Another favorite trick is the ability to see images and videos displayed inside the chat window when you or a pal drops in a public URL.
Yahoo Messenger 10 adds some visual enhancements that call out VoIP and video chats on the conversation window. Tweaks in the buddy list showcase an updates tab that operates as a newsfeed for friends' status messages. Other visual refreshes to version 10 spruce up select icons.
Users should note that the download stub will finish installing the program online, and that the download bundles the Yahoo Toolbar. In the preinstallation window, click over to Custom Install to deselect add-ons you don't want. We could also live without the heavy-handed Yahoo branding, 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 an easy-to-use, 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.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 1,369 votes
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Current version:
3.4 starsout of 117 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Works as good as Live Messenger"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
Works well and it's free
Cons
Not good with webcams
Summary
Should have this along side Live Messenger
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"Runs great"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
Less crashes
Cons
None that stand out
Summary
Pretty reliable
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"I could not imagine my life without it."
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
I love everything about it.I have tried almost everything from IMviroment,to Avatar World .and I am happy to report that they are all great and loads of fun. And my daughter gets to see & talk to Grandma and tell her everyday how much she loves her
Cons
Every once in a while when I am using the "View my Webcam" it freezes. I hope they resolve this problem
Summary
It's the greatest..It's like my arms and legs. I use them every day, All day
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"Yahoo Messenger is one best way to keep in contact"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
Extremely user friendly, chat online with family and friends. Hookup webcams to view each one of your friends or family members.
Cons
I have used this program for quite some time now and I have not found any issues with this software.
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"fine only not enough people got cams & headphones"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
not sure never used any other messengr
Cons
as above cant rate it against anything else
Summary
N/A
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""Good functioning""
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
Clear and comprehensive naming of the functions
Cons
None that I can think of
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"cannt fulfil my desire..."
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
not enough to mention..
Cons
enter to chat room is difficult...evry cht will comes in a new window..
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"easy to use"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
nice that it links with facebook
Cons
no complaints
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"Installs MORE than you want"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
Allows you to communicate with friends using Yahoo
Cons
Restricted to Yahoo and even if you tell the system NOT to install the toolbar or make Yahoo the new home page, it installs the toolbar anyway and then tries to move your homepage to Yahoo. Editor Reviewers who gave it 5 stars must get kickback.
Summary
Good if you don't mind software companies installed what THEY want on your machine. POOR if you want control of what is or isn't installed.
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"Little difference"
Version: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1270
Pros
Easier to connect
Cons
sound on vidcam scratchy
Summary
Better than other messengers by far
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