Mastering Windows Live Messenger 9

Windows Live Messenger unquestioned leader of instant messaging, offers a new look with version 9, but also very valuable innovations.

Windows Live Messenger , which we will simply refer to as Messenger throughout our guide is undoubtedly the instant messaging software most downloaded now-a-days.

With a few innovations in terms of look: Aero interface with transparent edges in the style of Windows Vista, animations avatars (small pictures or the stylized characters that represent you), appearing in menu mouse over or sounds that trigger specific according to the people with whom you're chatting.

But beyond trying to be trend, Messenger also offers some real changes. Thus, it is finally possible to connect to the same account from multiple machines, a valuable asset to be always online. The management of contacts has been improved: it is undoubtedly the most important messaging software. Finally, the software offers a fully integrated tool for sharing photos.

But this new version is not free of defects. Thus, the avatars in the chat windows tend to occupy a quarter of unnecessary space. Windows Live Messenger remains incompatible with every other messenger in line, except that of Yahoo!.

More seriously, advertising is increasingly intrusive and your privacy a little more risk. Thus, your photo is now visible by default to anyone. Fortunately, a few tips, tools and a little know-how can keep only the good sides of this new version. Take the time to complete the preliminary settings to protect you.

In this guide, we leave aside the installation of Messenger and its basic functions such as starting a simple conversation, to focus on the more advanced software.

Precautions to be taken care off

Windows Live Messenger has become a favorite target of spyware and other viruses. Once infected, it will try to infect all your contacts by sending them messages containing attachments. It can also offer them to click on a link if their dangerous Web browser or Windows is not fully up to date.

To avoid viruses, make sure that your correspondent who sends you this file by asking the question directly. Do not click on a link that seems unrelated to your conversation. Above all, be aware: if you do not know the sender of the message, there is every chance that this is a crab. Beyond this general advice, just adjust a few settings of Windows Live Messenger to remove most of the risk.

If you have an antivirus program that does not automatically detects new files placed on your computer, open the Tools menu, Options and File Transfer . Check the Detect viruses in files box and click the Browse button to select the executable file for your antivirus program. Check the Reject and Automatically transfer files to the kinds of dangerous file box.

Do not forget to regularly update your version of Windows (through Windows Update )! Finally, to avoid versions including spyware, do not download Messenger on a site as reliable as download.live.com/Messenger.

What are the main innovations of Windows Live Messenger 9

Contacts better organized

You created several contacts, but perhaps