A special post for the MSN freaks out there. In my honest opinion, Windows Live Messenger or MSN as it's commonly known, is one of the few things M$ has done right. Being a fan from nearly the beginning, I've watched it evolve, the latest WLM 2009 or version 14 being my favourite. But for those of you still on 8 and above, here are two add-on's that can make your favourite IM much better.
The Plus! add-on.
For the people that just want to add a little bit or a lot more spice to WLM, this is a great add-on. The Plus! add-on lets you customize variable aspects of WLM. From basic functions such as custom notifications for specific contacs, transparency of the windows, skinning capabilities to give the interface a custom look and feel, and my favourite, the display name colouring. If i'm on your contact list and you see a bunch of odd symbols, you need Plus! to see my name in all its glory ;)
One of the more advanced features of Plus! is that it allows you to download various scripts for the program. These are small add-ons that allow you to do a multitude of tasks. My favourite being the Screenshot sender which sends a contact a picture of what's on your display. There are so many scripts, i don't know where to begin. Chances are, if there's something you want to do with your WLM, there's a script for you somewhere.
The Discovery add-on.
I find this one to be a sneaky add-on. I won't reveal all the features because i like to use some of them ;)
But basically, it allows you to customize the notifications box, see when someone has opened a conversation window to chat to you (even before they've sent the message. gives you time to run away) and an encryption system for your messages. It may not be as customizable as the Plus! add-on, but it has some very useful features that Plus! doesn't have.
Personally i have both installed, but i'm in the process of trying out the new Discovery2 add-on for WLM 2009. So far my Plus! add-on is giving me grief with my display name styles. Other than that, Discovery2 is still in the Beta phase, so i'm expecting trouble ahead while they complete it. But if you're still on the older WLM, don't worry too much about upgrading yet.
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