Yahoo Messenger 10 - 11 Quick Tips and TimeSavers for the New Version

The long awaited final build of Yahoo Messenger 10 (Y!M 10), one of the most popular IM applications in cyberspace, was released on Nov 12, 2009. The impact of this new version is undeniable. Just one week after its official release, it reached a striking download number of over 25,000 just from the CNET download site alone. So what the real total number is from all download sites on the Internet, I can't imagine.

The main reasons for this crush surely came from the program's new features and enhancements, and since those things had been talked over and over, I won't duplicate them here. Instead, I'll tell you some brief but useful tips to save your time and make the best use of the program.

1.Minimum system requirements and necessary computer equipments:
- Windows XP operating system or later, a 1 GHz CPU processor and 512 MB of RAM.
- Broadband Internet connection speed: Minimum of 300 Kbps download and 128 Kbps upload.
- Video card: Minimum of 96 MB memory.
- A microphone and speakers or headset.
- A webcam (suggested Logitech webcam)
- Latest version of Microsoft DirectX® installed.
The last two requirements are mainly for making video calls.

2.The offline installation file: Download the standalone installation file here. This file allows you to install the program quickly and doesn't ask for an Internet connection.

3.Installation process: Pay close attention to the first screen of the installation process. By default it will install extra components Yahoo Toolbar and YahooBrowser Plus into your computer. If you don't want those tools, choose the Custom Install option at the top of the screen and uncheck them.

4.Social networking features (Yahoo! Updates): By default you will be informed of all updates made by your friends from several social sites including Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, etc. To customize this list, first go to Yahoo! Updates: Messenger > Preferences > Yahoo! Updates.
Then, to set the list of which social sites you want to get updated, click the Customize Yahoo! Updates button, and check/uncheck the appropriate check boxes for each site. To change the settings for particular sites check/uncheck the check box under the Show Alerts column next to that site.

5.Update your friends' status (Yahoo! Updates): Whenever there is an update, a small popup will appear at the bottom right corner of your computer's screen. Go to Messenger > Preferences > Yahoo! Updates > click the Customize Yahoo! Updates button, then check/uncheck the check box next to the person's name under Show Y! Updates from these contacts

6.What to share with your friends (Yahoo! Updates): It's totally your choice to share what aspects of your social life with your friends. Just customize your Yahoo! Profiles. To do this, go to Yahoo! Updates in the Preferences, then choose Manage the Yahoo! Updates I broadcast…, on your profile webpage, check and uncheck the services you want.

7.Quick IM on your friend's update: Hover the mouse on your friend's name in the list, and choose it to make a quick IM. Your message will be set inline with your friend's status; however, both you and your friends must have Y!M 10 to have this inline.

8.High quality video call: Both you and your Y!M friends must use Yahoo Messenger 10 to make a video call. The grayed-out Video Call button on your IM window with a friend indicates he/she is on an older version of Y!M.

9.Video call lost images: Check your internet connection. If your internet connection is too busy, Y!M is automatically downgraded from a video call to a voice all. There will be a message to inform you of the change.

10.All other features of the older Yahoo messenger versions are also available with Yahoo messenger 10: voice call, SMS though Yahoo! voice, group chat, voice mail, Yahoo chat, smileys, plugins to add more features, IM environments, Yahoo PingBox and others.

11.Twisting your voice: Make use of a voice changing program which plays nicely with Y!M 10 to change your voice and add more fun into your video calls. Follow the instructions on this page to use AV Voice Changer Software to change voice for Y!M 10.