Windows Live Essentials
From Messenger to Movie Maker, it's all in here
For the first time ever Microsoft® has decided to release an operating system that has the email, instant messaging and photo software removed. This means that Windows takes up less room on your hard drive, and gives you more freedom to choose the software you want to use.
Windows Live Essentials is a suite of free Microsoft software that lets you do a number of cool things with your computer. It's completely free and you'll get regular updates to ensure you're getting the latest features.
What software do you get?
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Windows Live MessengerWindows Live Messenger allows you to chat to your family and friends using text and video. You can also use it to make phone calls to land lines anywhere in the world (subject to call charges). |
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Windows Live Photo GalleryWindows Live Photo Gallery lets you view and edit your photos. Once you're happy you can add them to Facebook® or print them off using your photo printer. A simple and easy way to use and manage the photos captured on your digital camera or mobile phone. |
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Windows Live MailA great program to manage all of your email accounts in one place. You can send and receive emails, attach files and photos and also filter out spam messages. Windows Live Mail also integrates seamlessly with Hotmail®. |
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Windows Live WriterA fantastic tool that allows you to create exciting and professional entries for your blog. It lets you update your blog quickly and easily and even lets you schedule future posts. |
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Windows Live MovieMakerTurn your home movies into masterpieces with Windows Live Movie Maker. This easy to use software lets you edit your video footage and create a DVD to play on your TV screen. |
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Windows Live Family SafetyA great way to see what your children are doing and who they are talking to on Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Windows Live Spaces. |
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Windows Live ToolbarOne-click access to Windows Live Hotmail, Calendar, Photos and other Windows Live services no matter where you are on the world wide web. |
Installing Windows Live Essentials
- Click the Start button and type Windows Update in the search box and press the 'Enter' key to bring up Windows Update.
- Click the link for 'Optional Updates' and tick the box for 'Windows Live Essentials'. If it doesn't appear in the list, you can download it manually.
- Click the 'OK' button.
- Click 'Install updates' to begin.
- After a few moments you will see the Windows Live Essentials installation screen which shows you the software available to install. All software is selected by default — you can choose not to install a piece of software by removing the tick from the tick box.
- Click the 'Install' button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
