MSN Messenger vs. Windows Messenger for newbie

[Janne Kekäläinen]

Hi!

I just had my first experience with MSN Messenger and I have something to
ask. I'm upgrading to WinXP soon and I wanted to know something about
Windows Messenger. I have read some messages about the differences between
these two but I have to admit I didn't really understand what is the
difference for me. I just find this an comfortable way to chat with my
friends and that's all. All I need is to send text messages. So, the
question: are MSN and Windows Messenger compatible, like, if I have friends
with MSN Messenger and I'm using the Windows one (or vice versa) can I chat
with them? And do I have the same account for both applications, I mean, do
I have the same contact list etc. whichever program I use?

Thanks,
Janne

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Janne,

Yes, they are completely compatible (although a few features are limited to one client or the
other) -- they run on the same network (the .NET Messenger Service), you log in with the same
account and it's the same contact list. So yes, you can use either.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

 

[Guest]

Sure they're completly compatable for XP,but if you dont subscibe to msn
Explorer (a dial-up connection),you shouldnt use anything but 4.7 XP
original or current version. 5.0 and msn messengers does'nt work for
everyone,has no benifits for the user.

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi Andrew,

That's very untrue. There are plenty of benefits to the newer and other versions.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

 

[Keith MacDonald]

I tried MSN Messenger on XP, but reverted to 4.7 because I didn't like how
long it took to start up, presumably while it loaded itself up with its
latest batch of adverts. Also, you have to watch what you're doing, to
avoid accidentally clicking an advert.

Keith MacDonald

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi Keith,

It is a matter of personal choice, however just for the record, the ads work on a rotational
basis, and load when requested -- they don't all load at once. It simply loads one GIF image
using the same engine that say, Internet Explorer uses (so the 'ad' takes less then a second
to load and come up). The delay you're seeing is simply part of the way Messenger 6.x stores
its contact information.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com