Instant messages are text messages that you can send to other people who are online when you are. Your message is delivered immediately, and the person you sent the message to can immediately respond—just as in a face-to-face conversation. Here are a few basic steps to help you get started:
Register with MSN Messenger
If you have a Hotmail or MSN e-mail address, go straight to step 2.
If you do not have a Hotmail or MSN e-mail address, you need to sign up for a Microsoft .NET Passport with your current e-mail address, or sign up for a free Hotmail account.
Sign in
Before you can use MSN Messenger, you must sign in.
Double-click the MSN Messenger icon at the bottom of your screen.
Enter the e-mail address and password that you registered with Passport.
Add friends and family to your contact list
Now that you've got MSN Messenger, you can connect to your friends and family who are online.
Click Add a Contact.
Type the e-mail address of your friend, family member, or colleague.
