I've always wondered why more people don't use the instant messenger from MSN. Is it because so many people love to hate Microsoft? Or are they just too used to having all those bells and whistles they get with ICQ? Personally, the MSN messenger has always been my personal favorite and now, with the latest update (version 3.0), it may soon also become one of yours.


Available for free directly from MSN (or ZDnet, CNET or any of your other favorite download sites), this 645 K application requires 8 MB of RAM and is compatible with Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (versions 3.0 or higher for both) running with Windows 95/98/NT/2000. Unless you already have an email address at Hotmail, you'll need to choose a log-in name and password to open up a Passport account. Either way, you'll still have the option of choosing a different display name for what actually appears in your online conversations (TRACY says, STEVE says). This is also much more personal than seeing a hotmail address when you are notified that someone on your friends list has just signed on. Through sound and a small pop-up window near your taskbar, you will be alerted that "Tracy has just signed on".


OK, on to the features. I certainly didn't mean to sound like MSN skimps on them up above since, especially with the latest update, it's actually now quite loaded! For your choice of font styles, MSN offers a selection of 47 (compared to 37 on AOL). You are given 16 options for the color of your text (compared to 10 with Yahoo's messenger). Although MSN doesn't have as many choices for font size (only 5, compared to AOL's 14 and Yahoo's 16), you do still have the full variety of regular type, bold, italic and bold italic. Another fun feature just added on MSN is the use of "emoticons" for your chatting. Along with the 8 varieties of smiley faces (compared to AOL's 16), you can also send images of a "thumbs up" (by typing the letter Y in parenthesis), a "thumbs down" (by typing N in parenthesis), a heart, a broken heart, kissy lips, a beer mug, a martini glass and 7 other icons. All these are sent by typing (for example, a heart appears if (L) is typed) and are converted to the image when sent. This is unlike AOL, where you must first click on their icon menu and then select an image.


Of course, thanks to the BIG NEW FEATURE, you don't even need to type at all anymore: MSN Messenger 3.0 now includes both PC-to-PC voice chat and free PC-to-phone calling throughout the United States and Canada!! You simply right-click on a contact name, then on Call, then on Computer. For voice chatting, the recipient must accept your request. For long distance calling (using Net2Phone technology), you simply type in the phone number on a pop-up dialing pad (with 1+area code+phone number). You may also use this feature to send messages to pagers or web-ready cell phones. ALL FOR FREE!! The sound quality isn't perfect; it squeals a bit at the start and breaks up some throughout but not to the point where you can't understand the person. Best of all, unlike with Yahoo's voice chat, this is hands-free talking (nothing to click on and hold while chatting).


One thing I've always liked about the MSN messenger are the privacy features. Since other users must have your authorization to add you to their friends list (you'll receive an alert on their request which you may approve or reject), you won't have to deal with the annoyance of being IMed by anyone who knows your screen name (as with AOL's messenger), nevermind the real-time spam you'll get hit with using ICQ. With MSN, you know not only everyone on your friends list but also everyone who has you on theirs! Plus, if you ever have a falling out with someone, you won't need to go through the hassle of changing your screen name and opening up a new account just to get away from them (as I had to once using Yahoo messenger)... you can simply use MSN's BLOCK feature and they'll be as good as gone!! Likewise, even if you occasionally don't want to be disturbed by friends actively on your list, you always have the option of appearing to be offline.


Other features on the new version include the ability to transfer files (pictures, music and documents) between buddies, having up to 5 people in a conversation (including yourself) and the option of saving your online conversations. As with previous versions of the MSN messenger, you've also got the great perk of knowing when the person you're chatting to is typing. This helps to avoid those awkward lulls in the conversation. If you can see that "Steve is typing a message", you'll at least know that your previous comment is being responded to instead of typing an additional message. This product is easy to use, has a nice appearance and is now jam-packed with useful features. I highly recommend it!!!




Recommended: Yes