Windows Messenger, .NET Messenger, MSN Messenger -- UGH

So now there's Windows Messenger, .NET Messenger, and MSN Messenger. What's
the difference, and why are all 3 support? I mean, there's version 4, 5, and
6... doh!

--
Thanks,

Chris Miller
Compuville Computers
www.compuville.net

Greetings Chris,

There's only two -- Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger. Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger
all run on the .NET Messenger network. ".NET Messenger" is *not* a product, it's a service.

There are several differences, Most notably, MSN Messenger 6 has support for display
pictures, custom emoticons, has a different interface, etc. whereas Windows Messenger
supports SIP-based communications services, Exchange IM Server, etc. Which one you use is up
to you, and a matter of personal choice (and based upon your needs and likes), however one
thing to keep in mind, Windows Messenger must still be installed on Windows XP in order for
MSN Messenger to retain full functionality (Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application
Sharing, etc.).

MSN Messenger is centered around MSN technologies (Hotmail, MSN Member Profiles, MSN
Mobile, etc.) whereas Windows Messenger is centered around Windows technologies (Exchange
Server, Greenwich/RTC Server, Windows Netmeeting, etc.).

Both clients however can make use of Microsoft technologies, like the .NET Messenger service,
..NET Passport and .NET Alerts.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

"Chris Miller" <cmiller.RemoveThis@compuville.net> wrote in message
news:vmbec1jio8he69@corp.supernews.com...
> So now there's Windows Messenger, .NET Messenger, and MSN Messenger. What's
> the difference, and why are all 3 support? I mean, there's version 4, 5, and
> 6... doh!
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Chris Miller
> Compuville Computers
> www.compuville.net
>
>
>