• usability7
• Stability7
• Installation6
• Functionality8
• Appearance7

Anyone who uses Windows Live Messenger will first notice the ads flashing in the Instant Messenger windows. They will also notice how many different types of software it either requires you to install or tries to get you to install it. The emoticons are nice and the fact you can use custom emoticons are nice as well. The bad sides to me outweigh the good sides. It's huge in file size compared to the likes of Digsby and Trillian Astra, it shows ads while running, it installs optional software and it can slow down your computer a lot. I would only recommend Windows Live Messenger for those who like the custom emoticons and don't wish to try anything besides what is already installed on their computer. There are others with as many or more features that are smaller in size, don't slow down you computer, don't have ads while running and don't for you to install extra software.