Microsoft Messenger is a very easy to use program that allows you to send instant messages to family and friends. By adding contacts that also have this program, you can see who is online and chat privately to them. While using this program you can always be doing other things e.g. sending emails, surfing the Internet or typing letters etc without missing a message. Messenger uses audio and visual signals to alert you that a mew message has arrived, allowing you to respond immediately. One of the most useful features of this program though is that you are told when the other person is typing a message, that way you are not left wondering.

Also if you have a hotmail account, you can see how many emails you have and are alerted every time you receive new mail.

I have used several messenger services, and for people who just simply want to chat to friends online, this is ideal. It is very simple to use without all of the extras that some programs offer.