Windows Live Messenger offers almost all you’ll need to start instant messaging. With it you can communicate with people by “IM-ing” them. IM-ing is short for instant messaging, where people type messages back and forth to communicate. IM-ing is a great way to communicate when email is too slow or when a phone call is inappropriate. [See Image 1]
Windows Live Messenger offers the following features (an only a fraction of features are listed here!):
- Communicate instantly with contacts using text, voice, or video. [See Image 2]
- Use a variety of emoticons to express emotions, laughter, and other expressions. [See Image 3]
- Leave a message if the contact is offline when you send it. The contact will receive the message when the next time they log on.
- Send messages to cell phones.
- Call a phone line using the Internet for a fraction of the price of regular long distance or make a voice call to another PC for free. [See Image 4]
- Play games online with others. [See Image 5]
- Add, delete, block, and otherwise manage contacts. [See Image 6]
- Choose from a variety of status messages including Busy, Be Right Back, and Away, among others. With status messages you can tell contacts you’re available, busy, or away without having to communicate manually. [See Image 7]
- Share your personal files, photos, and videos using a shared folder for each contact.
- Request remote assistance from a technical support person.
- Keep a written transcript of conversations.
- Configure tabs that allow quick access to things like Windows Live, Live Search, MSN Money, Office Live, MSN Games, and more. [See Image 8]
To get started with Windows Live Messenger:
1. Download Windows Live Messenger.
2. Click Get it Free.
3. Work through the installation process. When complete, click Start Messenger.
4. Sign in to Messenger using your Live ID. (For more information about this and other Live services, refer to the link at the end of this article.)
5. Once you’ve signed in, if you have contacts already, you’ll see them.
6. Click the Add Contact button and input the information for a contact.
7. Double-click the contact to have a conversation with them.
8. To use a microphone or web cam, click Tools, and click the Audio and Video Setup option. Work through setup.
9. Click Tools, Change Display Picture to select a picture for your account.
10. Experiment with Tools, Options, to configure additional features.
If you like Windows Live Messenger you may also like other Live Services:
Windows Live Services - Enhance Vista and Your Home Office.
Windows Live Toolbar - All You Need to Know.
Windows Live Calendar - All You Need to Know.
Windows Live Contacts - All You Need to Know.