How to Personalize Yahoo Messenger

Yahoo offers one of the most commonly used instant messaging programs available on the Web. With Yahoo Messenger, you can chat live with one or several friends and even meet new people. Plus, Yahoo Messenger is free and easy to personalize.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Internet access

Navigate Yahoo Pages

1. Start by visiting Yahoo's home page and logging in to your Yahoo account (see Resources below). If you don't have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the 'Sign Up' link.

2. Launch your instant messenger to begin personalizing. If you don't have Yahoo Messenger yet, select the 'Messenger' button on the home page and click on the 'Get Started' link to begin installing Yahoo Messenger.

3. Select 'Create/Edit My Profile' and follow instructions to enter information about yourself as well as a photograph. Select 'Save Changes' when you are finished.

4. Follow Yahoo instructions closely to complete the installation of Yahoo Messenger. When you are finished, sign in to the messenger window. You are now ready to personalize Yahoo Messenger.

Personalize Yahoo Instant Messenger

5. Begin exploring your options to personalize Yahoo Messenger by delving into the tools available under the word 'Messenger' in your messenger window. You can start by filling in your contact details and account information.

6. Fill out your profile by clicking on 'My Profiles' under the 'Messenger' heading in the messenger window.

7. Select a display image to additionally personalize your instant messenger. To do this, click on the 'Display Image' option under the 'Messenger' heading in the messenger window.

8. Follow the prompts to upload any photo from your computer or design your own Yahoo avatar to appear each time you have a Yahoo Messenger conversation.

9. Click on 'Messenger' and 'Preferences' followed by 'Appearance' to change the look of Messenger.

10. Click 'Change Skin' to alter the background or 'Change Fonts and Colors' to adjust the appearance of typed text.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to boxes checked in the installation process of Yahoo Messenger. You will be given options to designate Yahoo as your default instant messenger and to set Yahoo as your home page, among other things.
• Choose a display image from your computer that is in BMP, JPEG, PNG or GIF format. Any other format will not be accepted.
• Seek additional help at any time by reading the information on the Yahoo Messenger Help page (see Resources below).
• Never include personal information in your public profile such as your phone number, address or even your last name. Anyone can view this profile and to maintain your security, it is best to leave out any identifying information.