Apr 23, 2001 03:56 AM
2990 Views
I love my Microsoft Messenger, and so do my friends. I love it because I don't have to disconnect from my computer when I need to get ahold of someone. My family and friends like it because now they can get ahold of me once in a while.
I currently have a dial-up connection, and a single phone line. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to reach me by phone. My Microsoft Messenger makes it possible for my fellow computer users to finally catch up with me.
Sometimes I don't want to be reached though, and Microsoft Messenger has taken this into consideration as well. In addition to the normal online status, you can also set your status to the following alternative settings:
Busy, Be Right Back, Away, On the Phone, Out to Lunch, and Appear Offline.
I like these options because there are times when I would rather not be disturbed unless it is important, yet I would like to be available if someone needs to get ahold of me. I just make sure that everyone who contacts me through Microsoft Messenger knows that Busy means Busy. I do get a lot of remarks though about always being Out To Lunch, but that is another story.
With the Microsoft Messenger I can also see which of my contacts are online. I like this also, because I can tell at a glance whether or not I will be able to contact them online. This is especially nice for those who are rather difficult to reach by any other means. I'm not the only one in my area who is only reachable through Microsoft Messenger, so now I can also reach my reach my sister.
Another nice feature is the ability to save money on long distance by contacting your friends and family through the Microsoft Messenger. If they are online, it is easy to add them to your buddy list and chat with them through your Microsoft Messenger. If they aren't online, that is still OK, because they also provide the ability for PC to Phone telephone service. I have just began using this feature, but so far it looks like it will be saving me a bundle on long distance charges.
When using the voice feature, just remember that you will need to take turns talking. You won't get anywhere if you both try to talk at once. Also, as with any internet telephony, you will get much better sound quality if you use a headset rather than a separate speakers and microphone. This difference is due to the echo of the speakers into your microphone.
You can also access your Microsoft email account directly through the Microsoft Messenger. You even get a small pop-up telling you when you get a new message. This is nice when you are waiting for something to arrive.
Although there are times when it is difficult to connect to Microsoft Messenger because the service is too busy, this does not happen extremely often. It may be a minor inconvenience, but it usually doesn't last for long. If I try again in about 10-15 minutes, I usually have no problem connecting.
I'm very pleased with my Microsoft Messenger. I'm sure that you will be too.
