I was put off by the idea of an instant messenger because I thought it would intrude into my privacy. All that changed the day I started using MSN (and Yahoo) messenger.
A messenger service is actually more than just sending instant messages to your friends or chatting with them. MSN Messenger has several useful tools to offer you.
People get ticked off as they link mSN messenger to hotmail (which is a below average mail server). You actually will find a lot of diffference.
Installation: You can download it from their site or install it from most CHIP/PC Quest CDs. It’s not a problem.
Logging in: Occasionally retry mesages. (?Server Busy?) Stays connected as long as my internet connection is OK. Disconnects once my internet connection goes.
I sugest you don’t use the auto log-in facility unless noone else uses your computer. If you use a cafe, after signing out change the login name on the messenger. Else someone smart enough will get into your account or send you spam!!
Instant Chat: Easy!! Probably the most frequently used tool, it’s easy and quite effective. Friends online are easy to find and then ...yakyak!! You can send a good amount of smileys and images.
Voice Chat: Needs a good reasonably fast internet connection for maximum effect. Otherwise the voice breaks. This feature is cool and you can chat with your friends/relatives abroad without blowing a fortune in phone calls.
Phone Calls: I didn’t know about this till a friend told me. even if your friend in the US is not online, you can ring him up using the dialer. So he yaks on his phone and you blah blah into your mike!! There are a few countries (including calls to the the US) where this is free. Again a fortune saved in telephone bills.
Both the chat and the phone feature necessitate a little fine tuning of your audio settings, etc. A lot of people complain of bad audio quality, etc when all it takes is a little patience.
Sending Files: Quite simple. Make sure that in your preferences you specify where files sent are stored!! And don’t forget - Beware of viruses!!
Checking mail: Another useful feature, this allows me to be notified whenever someone sends me mail in my hotmail account. Prevents the necessity to keep refreshing my inbox. As it tells me who this mail is from, I can choose only to check my inbox when I get useful mail.
Finding friends: Not guaranteed even if they have a hotmail i.d.
Other Features: There’s net meetings, chatrooms, etc..etc which I can’t comment well on as I haven’t used them. Lemme know if they are useful!!
To wind up, MSN messenger is a useful tool if you use it well. Otherwise you’ll find it intrusive and tough.