A Few Useful Tricks in Messenger Programs (Yahoo! Windows, Skype and Google)

Let's take a look of some useful tricks from 4 most common messenger programs: Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Skype and Google Talks. Figure out how to send a secret message.

1. Change Messenger's Background:

Windows Live Messenger is the best in changing background ability. Users can download an attractive background quickly to use or to share with friends. Besides default background, the program also allows users to upload their own image by going to Select a background > Show all > Browse (locate images you want to upload) > click OK. Unmark "Share backgrounds" if you do not want other to use your background. In addition, this program also allows users to doodle instead of normal typing by choosing the pen symbol.

Yahoo! Messenger can change background by switching to "Environment". However, two disadvantages of this method are it makes the program slow and both people must share one environment. Skype and Google Talk only allow users to change theme.

2. Change Status Line:

Windows Live Messenger, Skype and Google Talk allow you to use language other than English in the status bar. Yahoo! Messenger requires users to go through many processes to display other language in status.

Windows Live Messenger and Skype even display smiley next to status line while Yahoo! Messenger only displays smiley by letter. Google Talk and Yahoo! Mesenger even displays the song users are listening to.

Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger allow users embed a link in status by copy a hyperlinked line from Microsoft Words or other word processor and paste it into status.

3. Block Unwanted People

Yahoo! Messenger had features to block unwanted people by going to Messenger> Preferences> Ignore List. However, you have to retype the nick you do not want in this list and delete it from your messenger list.

Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk and Skype have a very useful blocking feature. You only have to right click on the nick you want and click "Block". Your unwanted people will not see your status is always offline.

How to Send a Secret Messenger: