MSN+Messenger

toc = = =MSN Messenger=



What is MSN Messenger
MSN Messenger is a free instant messaging software created by Microsoft. It is among the most used instant messaging services today. MSN Messenger was first introduced by Microsoft in the late 1990's after the success of early instant messaging clients such as ICQ.

A browser based version of MSN Messenger was introduced in 2004 called [|Web Messenger]. This free service allows users to log into their MSN Messenger accounts and begin chatting without downloading or installing the software. In the early stages of this development, Web Messenger lacked many functions of the regular MSN Messenger which requires users to install the software. Even today, it lacks a lot of features that are available in the regular software. Also, MSN Messenger is available on many wireless deivces such as cell phones and PDA's today to serve people on the run.



Functions in MSN Messenger
__- Voice Conference__ The voice conference function allows users to have voice converstions over MSN Messenger. This is just like phone conversation. Many people have use this function to chat with friends around the world. There is no fee for voice conversations. People may use this funcion to avoid paying long disance bills. This function is a big threat to VOIP providers. There is no logic to pay for a voice confersation when you can use it for free using the MSN Messenger. The requirement to use the voice conference function is a microphone and speakers that are functional with your computer.

__- Video Conference (web cams)__ This option allows owners of webcams to have video conversations. This function is free as well. Many people who use this function and use voice conversations at the same time.

__- Send an Instant Message__ This is the main function of the MSN Messenger. It allows users to send instant messages to users on their contact list. Users can be chatting with many people at the same time. Also, users may invite other people into the conversation and create a chatroom.

__- Send email to a memeber on your list__ When this function is used, your hotmail account pops up and a new window opens. The emaill address for the users will be automatically filled in. This function is great if you want to send a quick email to your friend. You will not have to remember each member's email address with this function.

__- Play a game with a friend__ Users can play games with other users on their list. There are various games such as tic tac toe and the wheel of fortune to choose from, and expanding.

__- Create a MSN space__ This service is a online community created by Microsoft. It allows users to post content throught an online space and talk a little about themselves including posting albums that are always available even the user is offline.

__- Send/tranfer files__ Users can send files to friends on their list. For example, you can send a mp3 to share with your friend. Also, there is not a small limit on the size of the file that you are sending/receiving.

__- Check your email/ number of new messages__ An icon at the top left corner of the software application will display the number of new messages in your hotmail email account.

__- Display emotional icons__ Users can use various emotional icons known as emoticons in their instant messages to express their feelings and emotions on the visual medium which helps to save alot of typing.



MSN Messenger on mobile devices
Today, MSN Messenger is available on mobile devices such as cell phones and PDA devices. This allows users to keep in touch with their friends and families on the go. There is a service fee for users who use this service on their mobile device. Service providers usually charge a rate per message. For example, users must pay five or ten cents per each message they send or receive on their mobile device, or whatever data plan that they have with their wireless service.

Advantages of MSN Messenger / instant messaging over the telephone
- MSN Messenger allows users to have conversations with people around the world without any long distance fees or any charges. Also, users can have video and voice coversations as well. - Users can send and receive any file on their hardrive at ease with other users - Conversations are conducted in real-time and becomes more convenient to talk to various people on your contact list.

Testimonials
"I have been an avid user of Msn Messenger since 2000 and I have only great things to say about this program. It does its job and much more when it comes to keeping people in touch, no matter the distance between them. Programs such as MSN Messenger have completely revolutionalized the social world in terms of making, keeping, and flourishing all kinds of relationships, from friendships to love. MSN messenger is not just for keeping in touch with friends, I for one have used it to keep in touch and communicate with fellow students and co workers and have even completed business deals with individuals I have never met before. MSN messenger will definitely go down in history as a program that changed the social lives of so many people." - Janakhan R

I've been using MSN for quite some time now, and find it to be usefull as a tool for communications, but at the same time, it slows things down. As the contact list grows with people from school, work, family and friends, everytime that I connect, someone is trying to say hello, look at this, check this site out, and so on... but as a student studying 6 courses, and managing a part-time job; it gets a little tough getting online and working on projects without hearing "OH-O!" - it really slows down the process of getting things done. It's also a little scary to think that at times I don't sign in because I'm scared of people seeing me online and bothering me while I concentrate on other tasks at hand!


 * References**

Wikipedia, MSN Messenger http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN_Messenger

MSN Web Messenger http://webmessenger.msn.com/

Most frequently asked questions http://messenger.msn.com/Help/

MSN Messenger Mobile http://www.arabia.msn.com/MSNmobile/Messenger/

Mactopia http://www.microsoft.com/mac/default.aspx?pid=msnmessenger

Pictues of MSN logo http://www.ntnu.no/skolehjelpen/img/MSOffice/msn.jpg

Picture of Microsoft logo http://www.officeroutlook.com/news/Infrastructure/microsoft%20black.jpg

Screen shot of MSN Messenger http://pressecenter.msn.de/presseservice/screenshots/04_msn_messenger_6.2_3.jpg

Picture of MSN winker http://www.cheapshareware.co.uk/products/msnwinker/emotion.jpg