Windows Messenger lets you see when your friends, family and colleagues are online, send an instant message, send a file, have a voice chat or a video conversation, and engage in other collaborative efforts. Now, you can even make phone calls from your computer to a phone almost everywhere in the world for a very low rate using the service provider you choose. Windows Messenger is easy to use, delivers great voice and video quality, and enables cool, new innovation with lots of other products and services you use every day.

The Windows XP operating system comes with Windows Messenger 4.0 already installed. If you have Windows XP, you can now get the latest update--Windows Messenger 4.5.

Windows Messenger with Exchange 2000 Server for Enterprise Users

Enterprise customers who have Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server get improved support with a special version of Windows Messenger 4.5. The special version makes deploying and using Windows Messenger within these environments faster and easier. Go to the Microsoft Exchange Server Web site to get more information about this special version of Windows Messenger 4.5 for Exchange 2000 Server Instant Messaging Service.

The new Windows Messenger provides several benefits:

• You can easily keep up with all your contacts using the new grouping function. It allows you to arrange the contacts the way you want. Define your own groups for family members, friends or the players from the soccer team and get organized!
• Instant Messaging is now even more fun with our cool, new emoticons. All you have to do is click the emoticon image on the new drop-down list. You don’t have to remember the keystroke anymore.
• Use Windows Messenger to make calls from your computer to a phone almost everywhere in the world for affordable rates. For the first time, you get to choose from a list of available providers which phone service provider you want to use! This is a great example of how Windows XP and Windows Messenger are enabling new, innovative services and opportunity.
• Get Microsoft® .NET Alerts as the ultimate way to stay in touch! You can choose to receive important information like stock alerts in Windows Messenger, on your mobile device, and in your e-mail inbox. (This feature may not be available in all areas.)

Note Calls placed using MSN Messenger Service 3.x, MSN Messenger, or Windows Messenger are subject only to Internet connect time fees when made from one computer to another computer. Computer-to-computer calls can be made if both parties are using MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger. If you are still using MSN Messenger Service version 3.x on a previous version of Windows, you can call only those computers that also have MSN Messenger Service version 3.x. To place calls from a computer to a telephone or mobile device, you must have MSN Messenger 4.5 or higher or Windows Messenger 4.5 or higher and a prepaid account with a voice service provider that you select from the online referral site accessed within the Messenger phone dialer window. All fees for such calls will be deducted from the account you establish with the PC-to-phone voice service provider you have chosen. Certain country restrictions also apply; void where prohibited by law. Internet calls are regulated and blocked by law in certain countries. Computer-to-phone calls require a Microsoft .NET Passport account; multimedia computer that meets system requirements noted below; and Internet access. Subject to change without notice.

Note Actual requirements will vary based on your system configuration and the applications and features you choose to install. Additional available hard disk space may be required if you are installing over a network.

1. Double-click the icon on the taskbar to use Windows Messenger. (Windows Messenger starts automatically every time you open Windows.)
2. If you don't see the icon in the taskbar, click Start, point to Programs, and then click Windows Messenger.