The "Windows Messenger" that comes installed with Windows XP is a (relatively) pre-historic version (4.7, somebody correct me if I'm wrong) of the "MSN Messenger" which is used today. It uses the same network. IMO, if you want to use MSN, download it from messenger.msn.com, and use Add/Remove Programs (Add/Remove Windows Components) to remove the "Windows Messenger" (might as well nuke MSN Explorer while you're at it - I hate that thing!)125gJoe said:
I use MSN Messenger 7 Beta primarily now - lots of new cool improvements in the new version. I USED Trillian for quite some time - but it was WAY too glitchy... If it wasn't crashing it was doing extremely weird stuff - one of my friends had his entire MSN contact list deleted by Trillian... hahah...
I'm suprised I haven't heard of GAIM, but looks and sounds great! However, since I am ONLY using MSN Messenger at the time there's not a heck of a lot of point in me switching messengers at this point.
Oh, a note on Messenger Plus!: It's a great addon to MSN Messenger, with GREAT features... Just make SURE that when you install it you DO NOT agree to the "sponsor software", as it is a bunch of spyware that's going to cause you problems! If you've heard anything about Messenger Plus! installing spyware even if you DON'T agree to the sponsor programs - don't believe it. I've thoroughly tested it myself. I use Plus! at work because of the "boss" feature (not that my boss particularly cares since he spends a good chunk of his day on MSN as well!)
lol
At any rate, if you just use one messenger service, getting the "standard messenger" for that service is likely the best idea, as it will fully support ALL features for that platform. However, if you find yourself using 2 or more IMs, then I would suggest Trillian or check out GAIM and see if you like it!
Of course, all of this is just IMO and YMMV. Cheers!
