Messenger upgrades: You will be assimilated

For all folks using an older version of Microsoft Messenger, you will be forced, strongly encouraged, required to upgrade to at least version 8.1 for security purposes.

From the Windows LiveSide.net blog:

According to Anand:

We will soon configure the service such that any user on Windows XP or later system has to use Windows Live Messenger 8.1. When a user using an older version of Messenger tries to login, the client will help the user with a mandatory upgrade to Messenger 8.1.

Some of you might feel this inconvenient, but in order to protect you and protect the health of the network we have chosen to take this step

And like it or not, the "health of the network" is a pretty valid reason for taking this extra step.  It all boils down to Security Bulletin MS07-054, "Vulnerability in MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger Could Allow Remote Code Execution (942099)".  This vulnerability, which has been fixed in 8.1 and the beta version 8.5 "could allow remote code execution when a user accepts a webcam or video chat invitation from an attacker. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of the affected system."

So far, some folks aren't too happy, including Mary Jo Foley on her All About Microsoft blog:

Being a long-time holdout myself (much preferring the streamlined, simple MSN Messenger look and feel to Windows Live Messenger’s more cluttered interface), I, too, wish there was some way to keep the MSN Messenger UI.

I've pretty much been a hoe to Microsoft and upgraded at each stage of the game so I've not been too worried about the security problems. I like the latest Live Messenger since it is so "Vista-fied" and all. But, I do know a number of die hards who really like the bland simpler interface.

Any MSN / Windows Live Messenger users care to chime in?

Comments

[bubbatex]

I use Trillian Basic 3 which can consolidate my MSN, Yahoo & AOL IM addresses into one interface that is simple and gets the job done. And it is free.

[Contributing Writer, Aaron J. Walker]

Thanks for the comment Bubbatex. I've yet to use Trillian but have heard many good things about it. I don't have a whole lot of folks scattered across several IM clients so Messenger continues to work for me.