Discover Windows Messenger
Instant messaging is one of the hottest advances in online communication. Windows Messenger, the instant messaging program included with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), helps you stay in touch with people. You can send and receive messages, make phone calls, share files, and even have video conversations. This article introduces you to Windows Messenger and shows you all the great things you can start doing today.
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Tip: Windows Messenger is included with Windows XP SP2. If you haven't installed SP2 and only want to install Windows Messenger:
1. | Go to the Microsoft Download Center. |
2. | Type
Windows Messenger in the Search box and click
Go. |
3. | Click the Download Now button to get started and follow the prompts on the screen. |
Get started with Windows Messenger
Instant messaging is an exciting way for you to communicate online by trading messages and more with friends, family, and other contacts who are also online. With Windows Messenger, you can:
| • | Start a conversation. With Windows Messenger, you can easily see which of your friends and family members is currently online. With a click of the mouse, you can start talking! 
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| • | Connect instantly. No more waiting for e-mail replies. Now you can get answers to questions from your coworkers in real time. |
| • | Be more productive. Send an instant message, get an instant reply, and get back to work. |
| • | Decide when you're available. Set your online status to let your contacts know if you are or are not available for a conversation. 
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| • | Choose who can contact you. If you're like most people, you get many phone and e-mail messages that you don't want. With Windows Messenger, you control who can add you to their contact list as well as who can send messages to you. |
Note: Several versions of Windows Messenger are currently available. The most recent version is 5.1, which includes enhancements related to Microsoft Office Communicator 2005. Windows Messenger Version 4.7 is included in Windows XP SP2, and is likely to be the most widely used version of Windows Messenger.
You may also have seen references to other instant messaging programs, including MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. MSN Messenger offers many of the features of Windows Messenger—for example, your contacts will show up in both programs—plus some extra perks. You can play games with a buddy in MSN Messenger, get access to your MSN Space, Hotmail account, and more. Other Internet providers offer their own instant messaging tools for subscribers.
If you use instant messaging in a business environment, you may also have seen Communicator 2005. Communicator 2005 is a server and client messaging system that enables companies to secure and archive messages in a way that conforms to their corporate communication policies.
Top 11 reasons to use Windows Messenger
Here are 11 great reasons to use Windows Messenger to connect with others in real time. With Windows Messenger, you can:
1. | Be versatile. You can send files, chat with up to four people at once, share applications, show a video, use a virtual whiteboard, work on someone else's computer (with that user's permission), and more. |
2. | Get organized. Easily organize your contacts into groups of peers, coworkers, and family members. Add contacts to your groups, and edit them anytime. |
3. | Stay in touch. Windows Messenger provides great, easy-to-use instant messaging tools and features. Simply double-click a contact name to open a Conversation window and get started. 
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4. | Stay in control. You decide what information to share—and with whom—and control whether your contacts can send messages to you. You can block specific users from contacting you, either temporarily or permanently. |
5. | Know who's online right now. You'll always know when your friends, family, or coworkers that you want to talk with are online. |
6. | Share applications. Now you can work on a document with colleagues directly over the Internet. With the application-sharing capabilities of Windows Messenger, you can share control of an application with anyone you choose, no matter where they are located. |
7. | Have a meeting in real time. Windows Messenger makes collaboration easy with the built-in Whiteboard feature. Use the Whiteboard as you would in a board room. You can diagram ideas, demonstrate procedures, and more. |
8. | Have a video conversation. Do you get tired of constantly typing e-mail messages? Why not send a video message to the folks back home? Windows Messenger includes built-in video messaging. If you and the person you want to visit with have webcams, you're all set. |
9. | Transfer files easily. If you are chatting with a coworker and want to send a file to him or her, you can send the file without ever leaving Windows Messenger. Simply drag it to the Conversation window. |
10. | Talk over the Internet. With Windows Messenger, you can use your PC microphone and speakers to have a clear conversation over the Internet. |
11. | Surf together. Browse the Internet with friends and family by using Windows Messenger to view Web sites together. |
Ready to get started? See Set up Windows Messenger for the steps to download and set up Windows Messenger.
