Windows Live Messenger
The Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger ) was an instant messaging program from Microsoft and the successor to MSN Messenger. He was available for several operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, OS X, Android and iOS. Apart from its own network, he supported the inter-service communication with users of Yahoo Messengers and the Facebook chat. Was published, the first client called " MSN Messenger " on 22 July 1999. As of April 30 2013, the service was discontinued and outsourced to Skype.
History
On November 6, 2012 Microsoft has announced to set the Windows Live Messenger in favor of Skype. According to information from the closure of the service was prepared for a long time and is vonstattengehen smoothly for users. So it is, for example, be possible to log in with the usual access to Skype - a re-registration is not required. In addition, all contacts of the Messengers will be automatically transferred to Skype. The service has been finally set on 30 April 2013.
Programs
Generic clients
The service has more than 300 million users worldwide, including seven million in Germany (as of 6 April 2008). With the Messenger, it is possible, in addition to the usual chat webcam also hold conferences to play online games, share files or make calls over the Internet. The Messenger since version 2011 supports only the operating systems Windows Vista and Windows 7, the latest version is decorated in the design of Windows 7. The latest version is usable on Windows XP 2009. The Messenger is since 8 August 2012 in the Version 2012 (Build 16.4.3503.728 ) are available.
Official releases
This MSN Messenger 5.0, users who use the operating system Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0, are still used. The versions 6.0 and 6.1 only on Windows 98 and Windows Me, Release 6.2 is no longer available since January 2011. The MSN Messenger 7.0 works on Windows 98 and Windows Server 2003 R2. The MSN Messenger 7.5 was the last version before the name change: it can still be carried out by changing the compatibility settings to Windows 2000.
Bundling of Messengers
In Windows XP, the previous version of the Messenger, Windows Messenger, has already been delivered with this. With this approach, Microsoft has already achieved success, because the use of the Messengers is the 13 especially in the age group - to 18 -year-old has risen sharply in recent years. Both in Windows Vista and in Windows 7, the Messenger is not built into the operating system. Instead, the Messenger is now part of the Windows Essentials, which also further formerly tightly integrated features of the Windows operating system have been outsourced.
Other versions of Messenger
Windows Live Messenger Lite
Windows Live Messenger Lite or Light is an unofficial portable version of Windows Live Messenger. Despite the name of the additive " Lite " version is about 16 megabytes in size. The Lite version does not require installation and does not store any user data on the computer being used. Instead, in the application program folder a sandbox folder is created, stored in the Messenger data. Furthermore, it works without user rights. The portable version is currently available only in English and not with Messenger Plus 2010! Live compatible.
Windows Live Messenger for KIDS
At CeBIT 2009, Microsoft presented the "Windows Live Messenger for KIDS ". This is specially adapted to the needs of 8 - adapted to 12 -year-old children.
Unique features compared to the normal Live Messenger were no no transfer of files and photos was possible and could decide parents if a contact with the child could be taken.
Messenger for Mac
Messenger for Mac, and Microsoft Messenger for Mac is an official and standalone version of the Messenger for the Apple operating system OS X. Until version 7 Talk and video chat were not possible. Since March 2010, there is a public beta version which supports talk and video chat.
Mobile use
With the MSN Mobile service it was also possible to use the messenger on smartphones, the Ogo and restricted via SMS text messages. Developers such as Agile Mobile now offer instant messaging programs for mobile phones.
Web clients
The messaging service can be used in addition to the official client also on the application made by Microsoft to Web Messenger as well as the provider eBuddy and Meebo on any modern web browser.
Alternative clients
Also clients of other manufacturers are available for many operating systems that are not supported by Microsoft, however, but only be allowed with an uncertain future; In the past, the protocol was changed often in a form that made it necessary to adapt these clients. For example, Adium is available for Mac OS X All- in-one chat program that supports Messenger.
Criticism
With the use of Microsoft services are allowed under the " Terms of Use " the recording of messages and e- mails. The general terms and conditions ( GTC) of ICQ in similar terms. One way to circumvent this problem is the use of a distributed instant messaging network, as is for example XMPP. Thus, there are several independent servers; so the user has the choice to pick out a matching. Another way to prevent eavesdropping of conversations, is the use of user - to-user encryption. For example, this PGP may be used. In this context, however, are not useful user-to -server encryption, in most XMPP clients, for example, this would be the use of SSL - here the data is transmitted even encrypted, but the server decrypts it again.
Alternatively, there was the free closed-source encryption tool SimpLite for all versions of MSN Messenger, which transfers the calls using AES 128- bit encryption. Another way to encrypt chats represents Off- the-Record Messaging ( OTR), whose concept is particularly well suited for securing this form of communication. The software also calls for an older update to the current version, otherwise it blocks the use of the Messengers.