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Exploring the new MSN

BY ERIC GRIFFITH

Microsoft's new browser includes tools for most online activities.

Microsoft's latest online strategy is to fully integrate its MSN Internet service with its Internet Explorer Web browser (without replacing IE). The result is MSN Explorer, a free browser that integrates surfing, e-mail, media file playback, instant messaging and more.

You don't need to have a dial-up MSN account to use MSN Explorer. Anyone with Windows can download the browser and use it with any Internet service provider and access options like DSL, cable modem or even a dial-up AOL connection. Using MSN as your ISP costs $21.95 per month for unlimited dial-up access.

Because Windows Media Player is built in, you can play streaming video and audio files in that format without starting up a separate program. Videos play in the left side of the browser, complete with play and stop buttons.

Instant messaging and tools for photo sharing, money management, Web searches and shopping are all integrated and easily accessed through icons on the browser. One click takes you to these other services.

MSN Explorer allows you to add up to nine customizable accounts for family members or housemates. Each account can have its own Favorites and list of messaging buddies.

If you already use MSN as your Internet service provider, MSN Explorer converts your MSN e-mail to Hotmail format, and you can access it only through a Web browser or by setting up the Outlook Express program to check it. You'll no longer be able to use other POP3 e-mail software to access mail messages, but you can access mail from any browser by logging on at the Hotmail Web site. A tool to restore POP3 capability will be available, Microsoft says.

MSN offers to send a message to everyone in your address book with your new e-mail address. In the beta version we tested, the message includes one line about an address change, and the rest of the message is a big MSN Explorer advertisement. Microsoft tells us that will be toned down in the final version.

MSN's new dial-up procedure is fast and friendly, and even if you're already handy with Web browsing, the changes to the user interface make MSN Explorer worth a try.

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