Rediscovering MSN

Well it’s now relabeled as Windows Live. But I’ve been revisiting my old Hotmail and MSN accounts to see what’s new. These are some of nifty add-ons which I’m keen on trying:

Windows Live Writer 

A desktop blog writer that can link up to your online blogs. Seems to me that it’s becoming one happy online family. I’m actually using it now, and it sports a really simple interface. To switch to HTML, simply click on Source at the bottom tabs.

The top navbar is faithful to MS Word, complete with inserting tables. It’s a simple bottom-tab change to preview the article. And one swift click to Publish or Save. And you can even schedule posts! I’m lovin’ this already. Maybe this program will get me to write more.

Posting pictures with the Live Writer is also extremely handy. You can easily edit its orientation, and even add some simple styles like shadows. It’s much faster too.

Live Homepage

They have a host of cute themes, which I’m currently into. Themes just brighten up my virtual life. Still gung-ho over my Gmail Ninja XD Just to show that' it’s A Small Virtual World after all, you can actually have a running feed of ALL your online escapades and activities.

Your stalker can see, in real-time, what you’re surfing, what pictures you’re uploading, what movies you like, what you’re blogging or micro-blogging, what you like, what you don’t like. It’s an extreme case of self-publication. But hey, if you enjoy encouraging your stalkers, and you feel your hordes of fans need a constant update about your online escapades, then go ahead and feed ‘em.

Live Spaces

Another profile site, to share, to upload pictures, to connect with the world. I only have 6 networking sites that I keep updated, down to the shoutouts and microblogs. Beyond that, I simply don’t have time to maintain virtual lives and communities. Here’s what a nice spruced up Live Space looks like:

*yawn* Nothing we haven’t seen before.

Live Messenger

It’s a YM zone on this part of the globe. MSN Messenger has never really been my thing. I didn’t like their static emoticons I guess. What surprised me is that you can cross-over YM and MSN now. That’s very very handy. No need to keep multiple messengers open. Just stick to your fave :)