Name

MSN Explorer — \program files\msn\msncorefiles\msn6.exe

Synopsis

The graphical interface to the MSN online service.

To Open

Little butterfly icon in the quicklaunch toolbar

Command Prompt → msn6

Description

The MSN online service, in addition to providing basic Internet access, supplies online content, somewhat like American Online (AOL). The MSN Explorer is an integrated web browser, email program, and messenger (“buddy list”) for use with the MSN service (see Figure 4-56).

The MSN online service works like Internet Explorer, but has more brightly colored icons and is linked up with Microsoft’s Passport service

Figure 4-56. The MSN online service works like Internet Explorer, but has more brightly colored icons and is linked up with Microsoft’s Passport service

You don’t have to be a subscriber to MSN to use MSN Explorer, but you to have to complete the initial signup wizard. Although it’s free, it does require several pieces of personal information, such as your geographic location, birthdate, and occupation. Once you complete the sign-in process, the MSN Explorer window resembles the Internet Explorer web browser, except the menu is gone, the toolbar is simplified, and an additional task pane is shown on the left.

Notes

  • The MSN Explorer offers very little functionality above and beyond Internet Explorer. It is merely a friendlier, less intimidating interface designed to appeal to novices and children. One potential advantage is the total lack of knowledge required to get up and running with MSN Explorer; for example, ...

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