MSN-Windows+Live



MSN Messenger is now called Windows Live as part of a rejuvenation process at Microsoft. Messenger is now part of a suite called Windows Live where numerous other services are available.
 * What is MSN?**

MSN is a service for users to stay connected with friends, colleagues and family while communicating in real-time (hence the 'instant-messaging'). This form of communication is quicker and more efficient than email in some cases and most people use this medium to chat with others.

For pure simplicity, MSN is used to represent Windows Live Messenger or MSN (Instant) Messenger.
 * N.B.**

Chatting is not the only reason why MSN is used. Files can be sent via MSN like music files, word documents, exel worksheets, etc. You can also play games with your friends and see who is the best minesweeper or the best tic-ta-toe player. Furthermore, you can talk to your friends-verbally and visually. With the increasing popularity in using webcams for communication, users can utilize their webcams to have a real-time chat face-to-face; the delivery of communication can be verbal using a microphone or via typed.
 * Chatting and...**

For businesses where networking is the backbone of the company, MSN provides employers and employees with an efficient way to communicate. Rather than having to walk up to the person you need to talk to, you can just simply type up your comments (or once again, verbally).

MSN allows users to make a contact list that is simple. The list can be divided into groups. This can help minimize time spent figuring out who's your teammate on the Ultimate Frisbee team to explain the next ultimate Ultimate play to do against the team you're playing against in the finals. Users can also fill in important contact information as well, so a phone book is not needed-there's even an electronic contact card!
 * Contacts**

Users can have a 'name' that is identified by everyone on their MSN contacts window along with their quick message. This is the spot where users can type in anything they want including their emotions, upcoming events like those dreaded final exams, or display their dismay for the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup using vulgarity. In the above snipping, the quick message (formally called 'personal message') is being put in the name portion for emphasis. The status of the user can also be changed willingly by the user. They have these options: You can also set it to Away automatically if the computer is not being used for a certain amount of time.
 * Some Personalization**
 * Available (green)
 * Busy (red)
 * Away (orange)
 * Appear Offline (colourless)

On the left is an example of a conversation window where you can chat with a person, or a group of contacts. On the bottom is where you type your comments (or draw by switching the type/draw tab at the bottom) and press enter to send in real time. The middle portion that takes up a majority of the space is the conversation space where all the sent messages are viewed. On the left is a personalized display picture (DP) and surrounding it is a colour (see above for colour codes). At the top, there are a set of tabs where you can click to do various tasks like sending files, or to ask the other person for a game of minesweeper or tic-tac-toe.
 * Talking via Typing**

Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger is a leader in allowing people to connect with each other. Currently as of June 15, 2009 there are about [|330 million active users].
 * Popularity**

If you are on a public computer and it does not have MSN messenger installed, you can use a stripped-down version called [|MSN Web Messenger]. This can be used on any computer as long as a browser, and internet connection is present. You can also use MSN on your [|BlackBerry]! Features and plans are different so make sure you contact your service provider.
 * Other Ways to use MSN**

Overall, MSN is quite simple to use and it is user-friendly as it is customizable and allows users to communicate in numerous methods including video chat, voice chat, via typing, verbally via microphone. For other features available, check out [|Explore Messenger]. For an up-to-date blog entry of this service and for more tips, take a look at [|Inside Windows Live Messenger].
 * Final Message**