Microsoft MSN – Web Portal and Collection of Services

MSN is an Internet portal and collection of related services. It combines Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Web browser with its e-mail, instant messaging and Internet shopping network.

Signing up for an MSN account requires you to read and agree to a terms of service and privacy policy. Once you do, an icon will appear on your computer desktop to access the MSN service.

Features

MSN combines the Web browser with a suite of online services like instant messaging, traffic reports, news stories and Internet shopping. It also offers a streamlined interface that easily trumps AOL’s jumble of overlapping windows.

MSN has made big improvements in its email service. Its latest software allows you to store up to nine mailboxes, with 10MB of storage each; add art, funky fonts and other window dressing; and filter spam at the server level. It also includes sophisticated parental controls that track and report on a child’s browsing activity.

Apps

Microsoft’s MSN division recently overhauled apps available on its own platform, refreshing versions for iPhone and iPad. These apps now synchronize across devices, so you can pick up where you left off on your desktop or phone.

MSN was initially conceived as a CompuServe-like private dial-up network that would provide local and proprietary content for subscribers. It eventually morphed into an Internet service, displacing the old private networks as broadband Internet connections gained popularity. MSN offers a broad array of free web and mobile apps, all of which connect to your Microsoft account so settings and customizations will roam with you.

News

Microsoft recently renamed its news and media service to Microsoft Start, but the personalized news reading experience is the same. It’s available as a website and mobile app, and it’s integrated with Windows 10, Windows 11, and the Edge browser.

When MSN first opened its virtual doors in 1995, it was a private dial-up service similar to CompuServe and Prodigy. But then the Internet, a vast network that anyone could access for a nominal monthly fee, began displacing these private networks.

Weather

Microsoft MSN Weather is a comprehensive desktop software application that helps you monitor the latest weather conditions. It offers accurate information on a local scale, including 10-day and hourly forecasts, as well as severe weather alerts.

If you have trouble using MSN Weather on Windows 10, try re-registering the app or updating your computer’s system. You can also use Windows’ built-in troubleshooter to resolve problems with apps. You can also toggle the Live Tile feature off to see if it fixes your issue.

Sports

MSN Sports is a great way to stay up-to-date on your favorite teams and leagues. You can watch live games, read the latest news and keep track of scores and schedules all in one place.

If you use the Bing/MSN apps on Windows, you’ll see a message letting you know that the MSN Sports app will be discontinued on July 20, 2021. The apps for iOS and Android will continue to be supported.

Money

When Microsoft Network opened its virtual doors, it was a private dial-up service much like CompuServe or Prodigy. It was a desperate attempt to make headway against AOL’s lead.

Microsoft Money was personal finance management software that tracked bank and credit card accounts, investment accounts and portfolios, and also allowed for tracking expenses and budgets. It was available for computers running Microsoft Windows and Windows Mobile platforms. There were localized versions for the U.K., France and International editions as well as a Canadian version.

Lifestyle

Women spend a lot of time online looking for lifestyle content, such as fashion and beauty tips, home decorating ideas and advice on relationships. To cater to that, MSN is launching Glo, which will be in partnership with BermanBraun Interactive and Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. publishers of the ELLE, Woman’s Day and ELLE Decor brands.

The site will aggregate original and third-party content paired with the search capabilities of Bing. Local content is also featured, such as local news headlines from MSNBC.

Music

Microsoft has entered the music download fray with a new service called MSN Music. It uses the Windows Media Audio (WMA) format and competes with iTunes, RealPlayer Music Store and other WMA-based services.

Users who had DRMed songs from MSN Music will be relieved to know that the company has reversed its decision to terminate those tracks this summer. However, if you want to move your music to another computer or use a different portable device, you’ll need to buy your tunes again.