Shoutbox

I use msn messenger vice windows messenger that came with XP. Now there is a newer version messenger plus which I D/L. Question is: Is MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger the same thing or different programs? the names are close and confusing

Wndows live messenger (wlm) is a different program than msn. Msn goes through versions 1.0-7.5, however windows live messenger is version 8.0, therefore being a newer version... but you should still be able to talk to the same contacts on each program.

Windows Live Messenger is just a new version of MSN Messenger, with a new name. So from now on, all new versions of MSN Messenger are going to be called Windows Live Messenger.

Lots of things have this new 'Windows Live' name tag.
There's a new version of Hotmail, called Windows Live Mail, which is very different.

You can see a list of 'Windows Live' products (all free) on http://ideas.live.com/

Hope that makes it a bit easier for you to understand. If not, I'll try and put it another way. Just ask if you don't understand