MSN Messenger vs Windows Messenger

[Thomas Cholipski]

What are the differences between the latest versions of MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger when running under XP?

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

The two are not related. Windows messenger was devised as a way to communicate between two terminals on a network. It has been around for a very long time, and currently is the bane of Windows XP because is the way that many of the pop-ups arrive onto your desktop. You can turn off Windows messaging without any negative impact but going Start > Run and typing in "Services.msc" (without the quotes). Scroll down till you see the Messenger service and change it's status to disabled.

MSN messaging is one of many "instant messaging" programs, such as AIM, Trilian, etc. Although it can be used maliciously as well, it is generally safe to allow MSN messenger to reside on your computer.

Bobby

What are the differences between the latest versions of MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger when running under XP?

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Tom,

There are several differences between the two. Most notably, MSN Messenger 6 has support for
display pictures, custom emoticons, has a different interface, etc. whereas Windows Messenger
supports SIP-based communications services, Exchange IM Server, etc. Which one you use is up
to you, and a matter of personal choice (and based upon your needs and likes), however one
thing to keep in mind, Windows Messenger must still be installed on
Windows XP in order for MSN Messenger to retain full functionality (Remote Assistance,
Whiteboard, Application Sharing, etc.).

MSN Messenger is centered around MSN technologies (Hotmail, MSN Member Profiles, MSN Mobile,
etc.) whereas Windows Messenger is centered around Windows technologies (Exchange Server,
Office Live Communications Server, Windows Netmeeting, etc.).

Both clients however can make use of Microsoft technologies, like the .NET Messenger service,
..NET Passport and .NET Alerts.

Which one you use is a matter of personal choice, based upon what functionality you need and
how you want Messenger to look.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

Bobby,

I think you might be mistaken about Windows Messenger. I have had the same question ....
what's the difference between Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger. Here are a couple of
screengrabs that shows me logged onto both. I can't really tell much difference. They both
operate the same and use the same Contact List. MSN is Version 6.1 and Windows Messenger is
Version 4.7

Any clarification will be appreciated.

Tom

 

[Tom Brown]

Thanks Johnathan,

Great info! Frankly, that's a little above my head and I'll have to study
your answer a bit. Would that explain why one of them can use Video and the
other can't? IOW, I can chat with another person using a webcam on MSN
Messenger and I am not sure I can do that with Microsoft Messenger.

It makes me wonder WHY they couldn't come up with a different name for them.
It's as aggravating as Microsoft using Internet Explorer and Windows
Explorer. You would think someone could come up with unique names for
different programs.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Ascii]

NoNoBadDog! seems to be confusing Windows Messenger with
the Messenger Service.

-----Original Message-----
Bobby,

I think you might be mistaken about Windows Messenger. I

have had the same question .... what's the difference
between Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger. Here are a
couple of screengrabs that shows me logged onto both. I
can't really tell much difference. They both operate the
same and use the same Contact List. MSN is Version 6.1
and Windows Messenger is Version 4.7