(question) Differences between Windows and MSN Messenger?

[Mike Scott]

As <subject>, forgive me for asking this maybe silly question, but, what are
the differences between Windows Messenger (I believe is supplied with XP
Pro.) and MSN Messenger? Am I correct is saying I already have Windows
Messenger (I have Win XP Pro.). Which one should I use?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mykyl]

I would like that answered as well. Its a bit confusing. My Dad has WinXP
pro and I have the home edition. Using MSN messenger 6 we cannot do a video
conference or audio only but we can use webcam and see each other. I have
seen no proper reply as to why this isssue is happening. (No routers and
firewalls even switched off completely to test with the same problem)

Cheers

Mike R

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Mike,

Which one you use is entirely up to you -- however, here are some of the differences.

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, Greenwich/RTC Server, Windows Netmeeting, etc.).

Both clients however can make use of Microsoft technologies, like the .NET Messenger service
and .NET Passport.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi,

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes (must use 'Video Conference' option in MSN Messenger 6)
4. Yes

This is what I mean by Display Pictures:
http://messenger.msn.com/Resource/Tiles.aspx

Yes, no current version of Messenger (including Windows Messenger 5) has an option to
"'appear offline" when logging in.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

 

[Guest]

Thanks Jonathan,

That "appear offline" thing is however a bottleneck for us.
We continue with a competitor messenger for as long as this is not possible.

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi,

I really hope that it's added in near-future version, the protocol supports it.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com