Windows Messenger
| File:Wmessenger.PNG | |
| File:WindowsMessenger51.png Screenshot of Windows Messenger 5.1 | |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 5.1.0701
/ September 16, 2005 |
| Operating system | Windows XP |
| Type | Instant messaging client |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | [1] [2] |
Windows Messenger is a proprietary instant messaging client installed by default on Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. It is also available for Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, but will not be included with or supported on Windows Vista.
Windows Messenger should not be confused with the similarily-named Windows Live Messenger (formerly known as MSN Messenger), which is a separate instant messaging product available for download from Microsoft. It is also not related to the Messenger Service which is a component of Microsoft Windows itself.
Overview
Windows Messenger, as we know it today, was introduced with the release of Windows XP, and is installed and enabled by default. (However, there is a similar feature on earlier Windows versions that is also called "Windows Messenger", but it is something like a graphical version of the console command "net send".) It has a variety of features, such as instant messaging, presence, file transfer, application sharing and whiteboarding. Later versions added "ink" support and integration with Live Communication Server. Windows Messenger integrates with Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, and the Remote Assistance feature of Windows XP.
Windows Messenger can communicate with Exchange Server 2000 Instant Messaging Service, and the .NET Messenger Service.
Development of Windows Messenger was halted after version 5.1, in favor of MSN Messenger and Office Communicator. Plugins for Windows Messenger, such as accessing the inbox of a Hotmail account, are no longer available; users are instead encouraged to download Windows Live Messenger or Office Communicator, depending on their needs.
User interface
The Windows Messenger user-interface is devoid of a lot of the "clutter" seen in later versions of MSN Messenger. Winks, nudges and custom emoticons are all unsupported, and the main user interface is more closely based on the standard Windows style.
List of versions and features
Windows Messenger 4.x
- Version 4.0
- Immediately upon release of Windows XP, Windows Messenger was upgraded to version 4.5
- Version 4.5
- Version 4.6
- Version 4.7 (4.7.2009)
- Version 4.7 (4.7.2010)
Fixes a critical security issue for 4.7.2009 on XP Service Pack 1.
- Version 4.7 (4.7.3000)
Utilizes WM 5's UI changes and adds security improvements such as blocking certain file transfers, comes with Windows XP Service Pack 2.
- Version 4.7 (4.7.3001)
Fixes a security issue, shipped with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and as an update for 4.7.3000 on XP Service Pack 2.
- Version 4.8
Adds support for inking, shipped with Windows XP TabletPC Edition 2005
Windows Messenger 5.x
Version 5.x is also available for Windows 2000.
- Version 5.0
- First version to support LCS
- Version 5.1.0639 (December 1, 2004). New features[3]:
- First version to support LCS 2005
- Improved support for Tablet PC and "Ink".
- Status (Microsoft calls it "Presence") can be set to 'Busy' when the user is using a full-screen application, or a Windows Installer-based setup program
- Version 5.1.0680 (May 13, 2005).
- Better file transfer support for users with multiple network connections
- Can provide presence status to Microsoft Outlook and Windows SharePoint
- 64-bit version for x64
- Version 5.1.0700 (September 16, 2005).
- Improves security by using the latest secure components
- Fixed an issue where the sound and video are not synchronized correctly if you call a computer by using sound and video in Windows Messenger
- Version 5.1.0701
- No information seems to be available from Microsoft regarding this release
See also
- Comparison of instant messaging clients
- Comparison of IRC clients
- Comparison of instant messaging protocols
- Windows Live Messenger