Need IM help

[hkgonra]

My wife is insisting that she has to have Msn messenger to talk to her friends. I don't use those type of programs so I know nothing about them other than they seem to carry virus's. Can she use another program that isn't so controlling and still talk to her freinds that are using MSN messenger ? Can she set up an account other than a .net passport account and still communicate with them ?

[SniperXX]

For MSN you can register your existing email and you dont need a hotmail or .net one. There are also other programs that you can use that combine different IM services like AIM and MSN. Two examples are GAIM (supports many OSes too) and Trillian, I havent used trillian in over almost 2yrs or so but GAIM works well.

[hkgonra]

How do you get a username for the other programs ? Can people with MSN see you online ?

[SniperXX]

Just register with the service, check the service's site for info, I think most of the time you need the software but after that you can unistall their software. If you use GAIM or Trillian people with MSN will see your MSN, and people with you AIM will see your AIM but basically it helps you by running less software. Also, it helps if you just dont like their software plain and simple. If you have any more questions fell free to ask,

[hkgonra]

Thanks a bunch. I know there may be better places to ask questions like this but I feel comfortable here and would rather get input from the people I have been interacting with on my regular computer stuff.

[SniperXX]

I see. Glad to be of service, lol. ;)