MSN Messenger (Microsoft Network Messenger) is an instant messaging software that Microsoft developed that allows users to instantaneously communicate with friends, family, and co-workers. It is an extremely popular program that is used worldwide and performs many different communication tasks such as video conferencing, audio calls, file sharing, and remote assistance. Additionally, MSN Messenger includes dozens of built-in tools that allow users to change their font size, font style, and font color, as well as play games, insert emoticons, and meet new people.

 

How MSN Messenger Works

MSN Messenger works in a very similar way to email. A user initiates a conversation by clicking on one of his/her contacts and writing a message. Without the user knowing it, that message is embedded in a file that contains information about where the message came from and where it is going. The message is then sent through the user’s modem and is forwarded through many different communication lines and servers until it arrives at the other user’s modem, where it is then sent to the user’s computer and, ultimately, to his/her MSN Messenger client. While email clients store messages in the inbox, MSN Messenger simply displays the message to the user, usually within 1-2 seconds from the time it was sent.

 

MSN Messenger VS Windows Live Messenger

Though MSN Messenger is a very popular program, Windows Live Messenger replaced it on its 10th anniversary in 2009. Windows Live Messenger is essentially the same as MSN Messenger, but offers much more customization through more advanced tools, options, and layouts. For example, Windows Live Messenger allows users to choose a background for the Windows Live Messenger interface, physically write messages rather than type them, and share files through a file sharing folder that can hold files for an indefinite period of time and allow offline users to receive them when they sign in.

 

How to Remove MSN Messenger

MSN Messenger can be easily removed via its uninstallation option. The user can find this by clicking on the Start Menu, clicking on All Programs, scrolling over MSN Messenger, and clicking “Uninstall.” If this option is unavailable or does not work, the user can uninstall MSN Messenger through Windows Explorer’s Add/Remove tool. The user can do this by clicking on the Start Menu, opening the Control Panel, finding and clicking on Add/Remove Programs, finding MSN Messenger in the list, and clicking “Remove.”