Which instant messenger do you and your SO use?

[Kaisukaru]

Well, the title says it all. So, which instant messenger do you people use to communicate with your SO?

[lademoiselle]

We're on Windows Live Messenger. I was forced to upgrade to the latest version about a month ago (somehow my SO managed to avoid this) and I've had nothing but problems with it since!

[Kaisukaru]

Funny because that's essentially the reason why I started this thread... Former versions of Windows Live Messenger were elegant and easy-to-use, didn't cause problems and did what it is supposed to do - allow you to chat. Now - for some reason - it seems to do the opposite. I think I will either downgrade to an older version, or try another software.
Maybe you can find the version you were comfortable on this website where there is a directory of old versions, too? I can't share links as I am a newbie Just type "oldversions" in the search bar!

[lademoiselle]

You'd think that an upgraded version would be an improvement on its predecessor, huh? I've tried downgrading but all that happens is the same thing as before - it refuses to let me log in until I install the latest version. Gah, it's so frustrating! For some reason my SO doesn't like Skype; he's never had reason to use it and I think he's reluctant to switch to a program he's not familiar with. I may download it on his laptop next time I pay him a visit though, so perhaps with a bit of persuasion... haha

[Kiyama]

Whatsapp on the phones and skype on the computer. We hardly ever chat though. Whatsapp is more for texts and skype for calls

[dglynn77]

Kik for iPhone

[kittyo9]

We use MSN (Windows Live) messenger, always. Like you, I think the newer version is complete horsepoop, and I tried forever to get back to an old version, but Microsoft is pushing this update onto anyone who runs Vista or 7, so it would always force me to "upgrade" again.

Here's how I finally fixed it:

1) Uninstall Windows Essentials 2011 completely from your computer. You should be able to do this through the "Uninstall programs" tool.
2) Download an older version of MSN messenger, such as the ones you can find here. You want any version 2009 or earlier.
3) Install the old version, but do not run it yet (and close it if it opens).
4) Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Messenger (or wherever you installed it), to where msnmsgr.exe is located.
5) Right click on msnmsgr.exe and choose "Properties."
6) Click on the "Compatibility" tab. Check the box for "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and choose Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or earlier.
7) Click OK, then open up messenger and enjoy not having to "upgrade."

People with XP (like my boyfriend) were NOT forced to upgrade, and that's why this works. No guarantees, but it's worked for me on my two computers.

[notyourexgirlfriend]

Usually I just send text messages from my phone seeing as I'm on an unlimited plan. Failing that, Skype or MSN.

[Kanga]

MSN, soon when he gets a cell phone texting I hope. I swear he lives in the dark ages of technology listening to cd players instead of an ipod.

[s.a.sajib]

I also send text message from my cell phone.we also use mig33 for chatting live and sometimes we share photo from it.

[XxFranticLovexX]

We use facebook to chat. Most of our time together is spent either on the phone or doing voice chat over xbox live though.

[chefkramer08]

We use Yahoo IM because she does not like to us Facebook chat and she can't use video chat(which sucks )

[Haley53]

aMSN. I love it as an alternative to MSN. When I'm on my phone, though, we use Windows Live Messenger.

[Brieasaurus]

We used to always use MSN but now we're skype junkies.

[tanaquil]

We usually spend hours on our university GChat accounts and, sometimes, fb chat. Rarely skype, unfortunately /: