The Disadvantages of MSN
MSN, the Microsoft Network, is a series of Internet websites and services provided by Microsoft. MSN is particularly well known for its email and instant messaging applications, but it also provides services in breaking news and Web browsing. Despite the company's online success, a lot of MSN's products have faults and disadvantages in comparison to their competitors. Many programs in MSN's product line have since been renamed, but still fall under the MSN company umbrella.
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MSN Hotmail (Windows Live Hotmail)
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Microsoft's emailing program was originally named MSN Hotmail, but has since been rebranded under a new "Windows Live" label. Much like the online email applications offered by Google and Yahoo, Windows Live Hotmail is a Web-based program that exchanges mail and media between databases of contacts. The problem with Hotmail is that it allows too much spam to pass through its filters, compared to its competitors. Hotmail users have also complained that emails are even being sent from their own accounts to friends filled with viruses. Some also believe the Hotmail dashboard is too complex to navigate.
MSN Messenger (Windows Live Messenger)
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Another MSN program that has now been rebranded is Windows Live Messenger. The program itself is a free instant-messaging service that allows users to chat and message each other through a single program window -- users can also share links and images and host group chats. Windows Live Messenger has been criticized because it can be seen as a platform for online predators who can create false accounts targeting young and naive users. Because profiles can be created anonymously, there are no checks or vetting procedures for new members. Windows Live Messenger can also a platform for the spreading of PC viruses via the links shared through chat windows.
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MSN adCenter (Microsoft adCenter)
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Microsoft adCenter is the program responsible for all of MSN's advertising services. Similar to Google AdWords, adCenter is a pay-per-click advertising service that website owners can implement on their own sites. The application calculates how much an advertiser is willing to pay per click, and then pays out based on how many clicks a specific advertiser has received. However, the Search Engine Land website mentions that there are a few problems with the product: the first being that a deleted account (accidental or otherwise) cannot be reactivated. Other problems include a difficult-to-use user interface and poor customer support. AdCenter also doesn't track e-commerce in a very detailed way, and forces the user to calculate returns and values of pay-per-clicks.
MSN Search (Bing)
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Despite highlighting some of the cons, MSN offers popular and successful services. One in particular is Bing, the search engine by Microsoft, formerly known as MSN Search. Bing is implementing HTML5 code into the search engine dashboard. This HTML5-enabled engine can offer users an efficient browsing experience by pinning the navigation bar to the top of the screen when scrolling through any results. Another feature offered by Bing is a combo box, which brings every piece of information together about a subject, place or person into one compact and easy-to-read box.
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