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There are lots of free programs that you can use to stay in touch, but our favorite software for instant messaging and video calls is Windows Live Messenger.
Windows live messenger is integrated with other Microsoft products and services like Outlook and Windows Live, so you can see when your friends and family are online as you do other things. You can chat with people on Yahoo! and easily send a receive video.
There are many other features, but those are the ones that we find useful for us. Also, it’s easy to set up, which makes it easy for those who aren’t technically savvy.
To get Windows Live Messenger, download it from Microsoft. Once you’re on the website click the Download button, click Run in the File Download dialog box if you are using Internet Explorer. If you are using other browsers such as Firefox or Chrome, you will need to save the file and then go to the downloads folder to double click and run it.
Webcam
Most newer laptops come with webcams built in. If you don’t have a webcam, you can purchase one at most stores such as Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Radio Shack, Best Buy, and more. Any brand is fine; just choose something that will work with your computer and operating system. You should get one with a built-in microphone. If not, you should purchase a separate microphone and possibly a headset. Follow the instructions that come with your webcam to install it on your computer.
When you have the messaging software and your webcam installed, you can start connecting with friends and family instantly. Just let them know your Windows Live Messenger ID and locate them through Contacts and Add a Contact.
Adding a contact is easy. You simply enter the contacts e=mail address and type a personal invitation. Windows Live will automatically send the message to anyone you designated with information and instructions for installing the software if they don’t already have it.
When you are ready to start chatting, open a chat with others by double-clicking the name in your contacts list, type your message in the text box provided, and hit Enter on your keyboard.
Make a call with your webcam
Now that you have Windows Live Messenger, making a call is as easy as making a call from a telephone. The difference is that you’re using your computer to make the call. To make a video call, simply double click the name of the person you want to initiate the call with and click on Video at the top of the instant messaging box. You can also just do a voice call without video by click on Call at the top of the Instant Messaging Box. See the illustration below.
To read more about making a webcam call, go to Windows Live Help, and type webcam call into the Search for box.
Instant Messaging Tips
It’s easy to overdo instant messaging. Often, people see you online and start sending you messages at the most inconvenient times, and it’s difficult to resist them even when a work deadline or other important task needs to be completed. If you have a lot of people in your contact list, you could easily spend hours instant messaging. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
1. Use the Status feature to alert other to your availability. This feature tells others at a glance where you can chat, or whether it might not be a good time for you. To change your status, on the main messenger interface (where your contact are), next to your name you will see a small arrow. Simple click that arrow to change your status to available, busy, away, or appear offline. In the illustration below, notice we have changed our status to Busy.
2. Establish regular times for video calls.
3. Regularly check the video settings for your webcam. First, check your video settings in Windows Live Messenger by going to the Tools menu and click Audio and Video Setup. Click Next and you should see yourself in the window. Click Webcam Settings. Here you can adjust the brightness, contrast, and other camera settings by using the sliding arrows.
Staying in touch with family and friends is a lot of fun with instant messaging and video. It’s a practical way to communicate and makes us feel closer than we really are. For business, it’s an excellent communications and file sharing platform, and that will be discussed in a later blog.
My Tech Team uses Windows Live Messenger to stay in touch. Are you a current My Tech Team customer and would like help setting this up? You can contact us any time. Not a My Tech Team customer? Sign Up Now to get the ultimate in protection, maintenance, and support for your PC.
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