XP offers a great set of tools for communicating, collaborating, and sharing files across the
Internet. Without needing
to install add-on software, you can make audio and video calls to
anyone with a computer anywhere in the world, chat with them, transfer files back and forth,
and collaborate on projects-all for the price of your Internet connection.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has
hidden some of XP''s most powerful
communications tools to
encourage you to use the tools that Microsoft wants you to use. XP''s default communications
tool for most purposes is Windows Messenger, which ties in with Microsoft''s .NET Passport
digital persona to reveal to Microsoft the details of your communications sessions and online
habits. To that end, Microsoft has positioned Windows Messenger to eclipse other powerful
tools included with XP, such as NetMeeting and Phone Dialer, doing the unsuspecting user a
great disservice.