Introduction

One of the fastest growing forms for communicating over the Internet is instant messaging. Unlike an e-mail service, which collects your messages so you can retrieve and read them later, instant messaging lets you send messages to your family, friends , and colleagues in real time. You can use Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 in conjunction with Windows Messenger to send instant messages. You conduct a private online conversation by exchanging text messages with an Outlook contact, receiving the messages as soon as they are sent. You can also send pictures, music, and documents to your contacts. In fact, instant messaging is quickly becoming a valuable business tool that allows employees and colleagues to share files, collaborate on documents, and share graphical content.

Windows Messenger, which is installed automatically in with Windows XP, provides the features you need to talk with people in real time. Windows Messenger uses different services to exchange messages, files, and other information. If you have a microphone attached to your computer, you can use Windows Messenger to call your contact and talk. With a video camera attached to your computer, you can call a contact's computer and see each other while you talk.

Windows Messenger uses different services to exchange messages, files, and other information. The default service is .NET Messenger Service, which individuals mostly use. For those working in a corporate environment, Windows Messenger supports Communications Service for networks that use SIP-server technology and Exchange Instant Messaging for networks that use Microsoft Exchange Server. You can set up Windows Messenger to access more than one type of messaging service.