MSN - similar to other IM clients but still the one I will use. (Microsoft MSN Messenger Service)

Member Name: MikeModano09

Product:	Microsoft MSN Messenger Service
Date:	26/09/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very popular, It's free!

Disadvantages: can be annoying and has some security issues.

As most of you know Msn Messenger is Microsoft's flagship instant messenger program.

==== How useful is it? ====

I have found MSN messenger to be incredibly useful, MSN allows me to keep in touch with my parents whilst I am at university without having to pay (this is a BIG BIG plus for students). I am able to type whatever I need to my parents and friends and need to only wait a few moments to get a reply.

==== Variety of features ====

There are quite a lot of useful features on MSN. I do like how easy it is to send a picture, it takes moments. The ability to have a web-cam conversation means I can see my girlfriend who is at leicester university and because I am at York this is not something that I am able to do every day. If you are bored with your contacts then you can also play some games with your friends to pass some time. There isn't that much variety in the games that you can play but the ones there aren't bad. You also have the option to send files to your friends/relatives/ co-workers. I find this particularly useful so you can check documents such as C.V.s quickly.

==== Size taken up by the program ====

The overall size taken up by Windows live programs (which is the package that the newest MSN comes with) is approximately 124MB so it will not drain your system, it is worth noting that having lots of conversation windows open can lead to your pc responding slowly.

==== Alternatives ====
There are some alternatives to MSN such as Skype or Yahoo IM but both you and them would need to be registered with that IM client, you cannot contact them if they are on one client and they are on another. The quality of these alternatives is relatively good and I think the only reason that MSN remains so popular is simply due to the fact that it was there first.

==== SOMETHING WORTH NOTING ====

MSN can sometimes be vunerable to security issues so always make sure you trust people completely before giving out personal info, NEVER accept a download from someone on MSN that ends in the file extension .exe as it could be malicious.

==== Overall thoughts ====

I think MSN messenger is a very useful program and will continue to use it. I think that this service should and shall always remain free but for any real progress to be made the competition needs to be greater.

Summary: 4 stars

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