MSN and Windows Messenger

Can anyone tell me the difference between MSN and Windows Messenger please?


Thanks

 

Windows Messenger - XP and 2K only. Allows chat (text, voice, pictures, etc.) over networks including the internet.

Note - NOT the same as the messenger service that can also be found on NT4/2K/XP and has been used to give you unwanted pop-up windows.

MSN Messenger - similar to Windows Messenger but lacks some of the features. Mostly the collaboration things like whiteboard. Runs on 9X/ME/and up. Direct counterpart of AOL's Messenger product, AIM.

In general, think of Windows Messenger as an app that was designed for a work setting and allows all the work-related communications over corporate networks but will also work fine over the internet and as a purely IM app. MSN Messenger was designed as an internet instant messaging product.

There is so much overlap that the distinctions are pretty blurred but given that Windows Messenger is only available for more "high end" operating systems, it can include features that would be difficult or impossible to include with a 9X app.

 

thanks for the explanation, have been wondering about this for a while

 

I like an MSN Messenger because it lets you have icons and if you have WindowsXP, the whiteboard and video conferencing are available.