Microsoft has recently announced that it’s retiring Windows Live Messenger on March 15, 2013 around the world and is encouraging users to switch to Skype. As part of Windows Essential suite, it is one of the most popular IM client on the Internet, and has been the most used IM client on Windows machines. It was started as MSN Messenger which was designed to work with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and other systems, including Windows Mobile.

At one point, Microsoft reported that it attracted over 300 million active users every month.  Now it’s being retired in favor of Skype.

Here’s a part of the confirmed report from Microsoft:

“On 15th March 2013 we are retiring the existing Messenger service globally (except for mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available) and bringing the great features of Messenger and Skype together. Update to Skype and sign in using a Microsoft Account (same as your Messenger ID) and all your Messenger contacts will be at your fingertips. You’ll be able to instant message and video chat with them just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet.”

 

If you’re currently a Windows Live Messenger user, you may want to begin transitioning to Skype while you still have time. Begin moving your contacts and other information to Skype.

To install Skype in Windows 7 and 8,  Mac and Linux, download a copy from here.

 

http://beta.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/

 

In Ubuntu, you may want to read this post to learn how to install Skype.

 

https://www.liberiangeek.net/2012/10/install-skype-in-ubuntu-12-10-quantal-quetzal/

 

Enjoy!