Windows Live Messenger

Pros

• Integrates perfectly with all of your favorite social networks.
• Toggle between traditional and new, social network-friendly styles.
• Highly customizable.

Cons

• Twitter is not a supported social network.

If you loved using previous versions of Windows Live Messenger to communicate with your friends online, you're sure to love Windows Live Messenger 2011. It's more than just a chatting program -- It's a new and improved program with a ton of updates.

In addition to Windows Live Messenger 2011, there are other great applications within the Windows Live Essentials suite to make your experience online easier. You can install only Windows Live Messenger 2011 or you can take advantage of other great applications, such as ones you can use to search online, check your e-mail, edit your photos, and so much more.

One of the best things about this new version is the fact that it is fully integrated with most of the popular social networking sites, including your favorite ones. You can check out your friends' status updates across various networks with a single program, all while chatting with your friends. If you don't want to enjoy all of the new features and would prefer a more traditional feel, you can always toggle back to the old style with ease, which is a great option for those who don't spend a lot of time on social networking sites or for those who prefer the old-school look that they remember from previous versions of the program.

While there are many things that remain the same within Windows Live Messenger 2011, everything has been updated and it looks newer and fresher. You can chat with all of your online friends, video chat with your friends and family, play your favorite online games and more. Plus, you can customize your experience and make it your own by changing your settings and adding skins.

All in all, if you have loved and enjoyed previous versions of Windows Live Messenger, it's guaranteed that you'll love the new options and features that will be available to you. If you've never tried it and are looking for a program that will allow you to chat with your friends and family, you should definitely try it out for yourself. Windows Live Messenger 2011 offers a lot of great features while still providing you with a traditional and easy-to-use platform.

Pros

• Integrates perfectly with all of your favorite social networks.
• Toggle between traditional and new, social network-friendly styles.
• Highly customizable.

Cons

• Twitter is not a supported social network.