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MSN Dial-up

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This article is about the Internet service provider. For the website and apps, seeMSN.

MSN Dial-up
Company typeDivisionofMicrosoft
IndustryInternet
FoundedAugust 24, 1995;28 years ago(1995-08-24)
Area served
United States
Worldwide (MSN Premium)
ProductsDial-up Internet access
OwnerMicrosoft
Websiteget.msn.com

MSN Dial-upis anInternet service provideroperated byMicrosoftin theUnited Statesand formerly also in several other countries. Originally namedThe Microsoft Network,it debuted as a proprietaryonline serviceon August 24, 1995, to coincide with the release ofWindows 95.[1]In 1996 and 1997, a revisedweb-basedversion of theISPwas an early experiment at interactivemultimediacontent on theInternet.

Microsoft renamed the serviceMSN Internet Accessin 1998, focusing its main 'MSN' brand on itsweb portalof the same name,MSN.com. Today, the company still providesdial-up Internet accessunder the name 'MSN Dial-up' for those who cannot access high-speedbroadband.For several years, MSN was the second largest dial-up ISP in the United States behind longtime leaderAOL,but very few people in the U.S. still rely on dial-up.[2][3]

Along with dial-up service, MSN provides its subscribers with an @msn.comemail accountto use withOutlook.comandsecurity softwaresuch asfirewallandanti-virusprograms.[4]Alongside MSN Dial-up, Microsoft also offer these as a standalonesubscription servicefor users withbroadbandInternet access around the world, namedMSN Premium.[5]

Early history[edit]

The Microsoft Network[edit]

MSN Classic sign-in screen
MSN Central

The concept for MSN was created by the Advanced Technology Group at Microsoft, headed byNathan Myhrvold.MSN was originally conceived as a subscription-baseddial-uponline serviceand proprietary content provider likeAmerica OnlineorCompuServe.Then officially known as 'The Microsoft Network', version 1.0 of the service launched along withWindows 95on August 24, 1995.[1]

The Microsoft Network was originally presented through an artificial folder-likegraphical user interfaceintegrated into theWindows Explorerfile managementprogram, with ahome pagenamed 'MSN Central'. Categories on MSN appeared like folders in the file system. The interface was designed byClement Mokand employedhigh colorgraphics.[6]

MSN was included with Windows 95 installations and promoted through Windows and other Microsoft software released at the time. Product support and discussion was offered through the MSN service, as well as information such as news and weather, basicemailcapabilities,chat rooms,andmessage boardssimilar tonewsgroups.It also offeredaccess to the InternetviaInternet Explorer.

There was debate in the media as to whether MSN would be an 'Internet killer', and some companies hedged their bets for the first year, creating content both on MSN and theWorld Wide Web.However, MSN launched too late to be a real threat to the web. FollowingBill Gates' internal 'Internet Tidal Wave memo', which refocused Microsoft to be Internet-centric, MSN began to move its content to the web and promote itself more actively as anInternet service provider.[7]

Following the release of MSN 2.0 in 1996, Microsoft renamed its original proprietary online service 'MSN Classic'. Microsoft eventually shut down any remaining access to the MSN Classic service in 1998.

MSN 2.0[edit]

TheMSN Previewwas a mock premiere event, with host 'Michael'.
Feature demo in the MSN Preview
MSN 2.0 Program Viewer

In 1996, in response to the increasing relevancy and rapid growth of theWorld Wide Web,Microsoft created a new version of MSN, called 'MSN 2.0', which combinedaccess to the Internetwith web-based multimedia content in a new program known as the 'MSN Program Viewer.'[8]The service was promoted to existing MSN subscribers beginning October 10, 1996; the general release followed on December 10, 1996.[9][10]

Microsoft promoted MSN 2.0 with a series of advertisements and promotional materials describing the service with the phrase, "Every new universe begins with a big bang." The company offered the initial release of the new MSN 2.0 service on aCD-ROMthat it sent to MSN subscribers in the fall of 1996. When inserted, the CD-ROM opened to the ambitious and flashy 'MSN Preview', an interactive video-based experience that introduced current and prospective subscribers to the new version of MSN and described the features of the MSN 2.0 software.[11]

The MSN Preview was filmed at theParamount TheatreinSeattleand was formatted as a guided tour of amockpremiereevent for the new MSN.[12]It was hosted by a witty and sarcastic character named 'Michael' who welcomed viewers outside of thetheaterand then guided them through the theater to meet several other characters, each of whom represented one of the channels of MSN 2.0's 'On Stage' area, the main platform for interactive multimedia content in MSN 2.0.[11]

A handful of uncreditedactorsappeared in the MSN Preview, including then-unknown actressAnna Faris,[13][14]who represented 'Channel 5', which was described as "media,zines,attitude";it was targeted atGeneration Xandcollege-age members. The preview also included its ownjazzandpop musicloop that played during the installation process.[15]

Once installed, members accessed MSN content through the MSN Program Viewer, which was essentially an animated, stylized and streamlined interface on top of anInternet Explorer 3.0 web browser. When members signed in, they would be presented with several different 'Channels', which were categories for the various types of content available on MSN.

These channels included new services that launched in 1996 such asmsnbc.com,a news website now known asNBCNews.comthat began as a partnership between Microsoft andNBC;andSlate,an online magazine focused on politics and current events. Both websites were available to all Internet users and still exist today, although they are no longer owned by Microsoft.[9]Also integrated into MSN 2.0 shortly after its launch was Microsoft's popularInternet Gaming Zone,which later becameMSN Games.

Interactive multimedia content was presented in a TV-like format, dubbed MSN shows, as part of the 'On Stage' section. The many shows and sites included an interactive online nightly game show called 'Netwits', asnarkywebsite addressing women's issues called 'UnderWire', and a regular celebrity interview and web-surfing session called 'One Click Away'.[16]

These new destinations supplemented other Microsoft web-based services such as CarPoint andExpedia,which were branded within MSN as 'Essentials'. An additional 'Communicate' section was based aroundemail,chat rooms(which were brandedMSN Chatand moved to the standardIRCprotocol), andnewsgroups(which were moved toUsenetfrom a proprietary architecture), while a 'Find' section was dedicated to searching MSN content and the rest of the Internet; it also provided a calendar of upcoming events and new shows on MSN.[9]

The new content made extensive use of multimedia and interactive features, includingVBScriptand early implementations ofMacromedia Shockwave Flash(originally called 'FutureSplash') for animations.[17]

While the MSN shows approach was unique and innovative, the content was not easily accessible by members with low-end computers and slower dial-up connections.High-speed Internet accesswas not widely available at the time, and some users subscribed to monthly dial-up plans that limited the number of hours during which they were allowed to access the service. The MSN 2.0 software was also unstable and would often quit unexpectedly.[15]

In addition to MSN 2.0's speed and stability issues, existing MSN subscribers were concerned the transition to MSN 2.0 would break up communities that were established via the MSN Classic message boards and chat rooms.[18]Their concerns were confirmed when Microsoft announced plans to close the entire MSN Classic service. As a result of all these issues, a website called 'The Official msNOT Hate Site'[19]originated as a negative response to the new MSN 2.0 software. The website claimed Microsoft patently ignored feedback from concerned members and censored anyone who spoke out against the upgrade; it further charged the company's handling of the transition to MSN 2.0 was "insensitive and ethically questionable."[15]Microsoft denied it attempted to silence those who expressed concern about the upgrade.[20]The website also mocked the music loop that played during the MSN 2.0 installation process because it repeated the phrase "too stupid to stop."[15]

Ultimately, the ambitious use of web-based and interactive multimedia content on the Internet during 1996 and 1997 proved to be ahead of its time, and the MSN 2.0 service was not as successful as Microsoft initially hoped. The company returned to the drawing board for its next MSN release.[8][21][22]

MSN 2.5[edit]

In 1997, after abandoning the interactive multimedia format, the MSN service was again refocused, this time as a more traditionalInternet accessservice. With the release of MSN 2.5 (code named'Metro' and sometimes referred to in marketing materials as 'MSN Premier') in late 1997, some exclusive MSN branded content was still offered through the MSN Program Viewer, but the service primarily directed members to traditional text-based websites that anyone on the Internet could access, instead of interactive shows.[23]

Beginning with MSN 2.5,emailservice for MSN members was moved from a proprietaryMicrosoft Exchangeenvironment that powered email for both MSN Classic and MSN 2.0, to standardPOP3andSMTPprotocols that could be accessed via any Internet email program, including Microsoft's ownInternet Mail and News,which becameOutlook Expresswith the introduction ofInternet Explorer 4.0.MSN also launched 'Friends Online', a predecessor to theMSN Messenger Servicethat allowed members to add each other as friends, see each other'sonline presenceand sendinstant messagesto one another.[24]Accompanying the MSN Program Viewer in MSN 2.5 was 'MSN Quick Launch', aniconinside the Windowsnotification area.Like the MSN Program Viewer in MSN 2.0, the menu in MSN Quick Launch could be dynamically updated to guide members to updated MSN content and services.

MSN 2.6 and 5.0[edit]

With the release of MSN 2.6 in 1998, Microsoft renamed the service 'MSN Internet Access', and the MSN Program Viewer was abandoned entirely in favor of the more familiar Internet Explorer. Another new version of the service, MSN Internet Access 5.0, was released along withInternet Explorer 5.0in 1999. MSN 5.0 was largely identical to MSN 2.6, aside from offering the newer version of the browser.

Also in 1998, Microsoft relaunched itsMicrosoft Internet Startweb portalasMSN.com and began to focus on offering services under the 'MSN' brand name to users of other Internet service providers. Building on the success of MSN'sweb-based emailservice,Hotmail(which was acquired by Microsoft in December 1997), theMSN Messenger Serviceforinstant messagingwas launched in 1999. Unlike the 'Friends Online' service bundled with MSN 2.5 that required an MSN membership, anyone with a freeMicrosoft Passportor Hotmail account could use MSN Messenger.

MSN Explorer[edit]

MSN Explorer
Developer(s)Microsoft
Stable release
11.80.0015.0100 / March 15, 2021[25]
Operating systemWindows 10,Windows 8.1,Windows 8,Windows 7
PlatformMicrosoft Windows
Websitemembercenter.msn.com

With the release ofWindows XPin 2001 (which also brought with itInternet Explorer 6.0), Microsoft began to offer content for MSN Internet Access subscribers through a program called MSN Explorer. This program is similar to the early MSN Program Viewer in that it provides access to MSN websites,email,instant messaging,and other content on top of aweb browser(anInternet Explorer shell) based on theTridentlayout engine.MSN Explorer is similar toAOL Desktop,which also has a built-inemail clientand provides access to content forAOLmembers.

Upon the transition to MSN Explorer,emailfor MSN members was integrated into Microsoft'sHotmailarchitecture and could be accessed from the web the same way as any other Hotmail account. MSN Explorer provided a user interface for navigating one's @msn.com email inbox and folders, also known as 'MSN Mail', until the migration of Hotmail to theWindows Livebrand. MSN subscribers were upgraded to the standard version of Hotmail in 2008, but with additional storage capacity compared to free Hotmail users. Microsoft phased out Hotmail and replaced it withOutlook.comin 2013, but MSN subscribers still receive @msn.com email addresses to use with the service ad-free. Former members can continue to use those addresses with Outlook.com after ending their subscriptions.[26]

Version history[edit]

MSN 6 and 7[edit]

MSN Explorer 6.1 on Windows XP

An earlypre-release versionof MSN Explorer, labeled version 1.1, was originally included with a development build ofWindows XP.The final release, MSN Explorer version 6.0 (officially numbered to follow the last release of the older MSN 5.0 software), was built intoWindows XPwith its release in October 2001. Anyone who used Windows XP could choose to use MSN Explorer regardless of their MSN membership status. Theuser interfacefor MSN Explorer matched the visual style of Windows XP and utilized relatively responsive animations that would not become commonplace in web browsers untilHTML5came along several years later.

Microsoft began referring to the MSN Explorer software as simply 'MSN' beginning with version 7, an update that was rolled out shortly after the initial release of Windows XP. Microsoft halted development of the free edition of the software in 2002 in favor of a version only available with MSN dial-up and premium subscriptions. Versions of MSN Explorer later than 7.5 require a paid subscription, but it is possible to use another Internet service provider while accessing content provided through the MSN Explorer software. The last free version of the MSN software also remained available for download for some time.

MSN 8 and 9[edit]

MSN versions 8 and 9 were released in 2002 and 2004 respectively. As of MSN version 9, the software began requiring a user to have aMicrosoft account,though depending on the version, it may or may not require an active subscription to other MSN services. The interface also includes manyFlashanimations. Version 9.5 added compatibility withWindows Vista.Version 9.6 was released in June 2008 and included revisions necessary for a newer mailbox synchronization technology and to replace the MSN Parental Controls menu options with links to the newerWindows Live Family Safetyfeature.

MSN 10[edit]

Microsoft began rolling out MSN version 10 in November 2009, following the release ofWindows 7.Features included full compatibility withInternet Explorer 8,an integrated spell checker, and the ability to exclude MSN Messenger from the installation. Version 10.2 was released in 2011, including photo email integration with SkyDrive (nowOneDrive), the ability to include photos or a photo slideshow with a link so others can download a copy for themselves, and customizabletoolbarbutton groups. Version 10.5 added minor improvements to the MSN software; most notably Microsoft changed itsuser agentto disguise it as a newer web browser in order to bypass 'outdated browser' warning messages from some websites.

MSN 11[edit]

MSN Explorer 11 is the current version, which was released in April 2014 and offers compatibility withWindows 8andInternet Explorer 11,addstabbed browsing,and brings back a 'remember me' feature. The software still included aninstant messagingclient based on Microsoft'sMessengerservice, even though it had been phased out in favor ofSkypesince 2013. Subsequent releases of MSN 11 included updated email functionality to maintain compatibility withOutlook.comin version 11.5, and updated logos to match current MSN branding in version 11.6.[25]

MSN for Mac OS X[edit]

MSN forMac OS Xwas a dial-up client interface to Microsoft's pay-for-access online services forMacusers. The software was, in some respects, comparable to theAOLdial-up client given its channel-based interface, built-in chat and instant messaging capabilities, parental controls, and ability to accommodate multiple screen names. It used theTasmanlayout engine made for the Mac edition ofInternet Explorer 5.It was discontinued in March 2005.[27]After the discontinuation of MSN for Mac OS X, Microsoft continued offering itsMicrosoft Messenger for Macsoftware, aninstant messaging-only client that required only a freeMicrosoft accountfor use. As mentioned previously,Skypereplaced Messenger in 2013.

International[edit]

Microsoft has extended its MSN dial-up Internet access service beyond theUnited Statessince 1995, partnering with various telecommunications companies to provide service in numerous areas around the world.

InCanada,MSN partnered withBell Sympatico(theISPdivision ofBell Canada) creating 'Sympatico / MSN'.[28]InAustralia,Microsoft originally partnered withTelstrain 1995 with MSN branded locally as 'OnAustralia'; when Microsoft withdrew from the joint venture the following year, Telstra went on to assume 100% ownership and rebrand the service asBigPond.InMexico,MSN partnered withTelmexProdigycreating 'Prodigy / MSN'.[29]An affiliation withXtra,Telecom New Zealand's Internet provider, known asXtraMSNended in 2006.[30] In Italy the sign-up was done through an 800- (toll-free) phone number which assigned to the user PC an internal IP address ofSITA-NET (Société internationale de télécommunication aéronautique), in the IP range 57.0.0.0/8, giving the user access to all of the SITA network equipment (so, not only the SITA-managed server involved in the MSN account registration process).

MSN has many offices worldwide for national customer support. It utilizes the service of call centers around the world. Among the countries are thePhilippines(technical and customer service),El Salvador(technical and customer support forSpanish-speaking customers), andIndia(customer service). In 2007, Microsoft set up a research and development center forMSN China,based inShanghai's Zizhu Science Park, which hosts technical support for MSN services.[31]

MSN Premium[edit]

For customers with high-speedbroadband Internet access,MSN Premiumis asubscription serviceprovided by Microsoft that combines a number of differentInternet services,along withfirewallandanti-virussoftware provided byMcAfeeandSpy Sweeper,into a premium version of MSN Explorer. In order to use MSN Premium, users subscribe to the service through get.msn.com. Alternatively, MSN Premium can be purchased directly from theMicrosoft Storeand (as of 2022) costs $99 for a year in the U.S., also costing 99 euros in European countries like Germany and France.[32][33]

In the past, Premium could be obtained by American customers by acquiringDSLthrough one of MSN's partners, such asVerizonorQwest(now merged withCenturyLink) in theUnited StatesorBell InternetinCanada.Microsoft also offered premium services with Verizon through theWindows Livebrand name beginning in 2006.[34]MSN Premium provided through Verizon was disbanded on March 1, 2012, and users could no longer use MSN Premium withVerizonafter that date.[35]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abNations, Daniel."Microsoft timeline and profile".About.comWeb Trends. Archived fromthe originalon June 19, 2008.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  2. ^Rosencrance, Linda (November 8, 2007)."AOL revenue, subscribers plummet".Computerworld.IDG.Archived fromthe originalon April 10, 2008.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  3. ^"AOL still has 2.3 million dialup subscribers—and they're very profitable".Quartz. August 6, 2014.RetrievedApril 11,2015.
  4. ^"MSN Dial-up: A better way to connect: faster, safer, and smarter".Archived fromthe originalon October 25, 2014.RetrievedOctober 24,2014.
  5. ^"MSN Explorer: Account & billing help - Microsoft Support".support.microsoft.com.RetrievedSeptember 7,2023.
  6. ^Robert J. Ambrogi (1995)."First Look: The Microsoft Network".RetrievedAugust 7,2009.
  7. ^"May 26, 1995: Gates, Microsoft Jump on 'Internet Tidal Wave'".Wired.Condé Nast.May 26, 2010.RetrievedApril 10,2015.
  8. ^ab"MSN works to find its focus".Archived fromthe originalon June 6, 2007.RetrievedAugust 7,2009.
  9. ^abc"New Web-Based Version of The Microsoft Network Debuts".News Center.Microsoft.October 10, 1996.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  10. ^"Microsoft Announces General Availability of The Microsoft Network".News Center.Microsoft.December 10, 1996.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  11. ^ab"First Look: MSN Preview video from 1996".YouTube.July 13, 2006.RetrievedAugust 7,2009.
  12. ^"MSN's early Internet experiment".tylerc.com. July 13, 2006.RetrievedSeptember 25,2016.
  13. ^"Dave Curry – Blog Archive – Spümco's Weekend Fur Hunt".June 11, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon January 6, 2009.
  14. ^"The Ultimate Anna Faris Experience: MSN 2.0 Preview".Annafaris.com. Archived fromthe originalon May 10, 2011.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  15. ^abcdthe DDJ staff (February 1, 1997)."Dr. Dobb's News & Views 2/1/97: MSN2 Alienates MSN Members".Ddj.com.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  16. ^"Website Review: 'The Microsoft Network'".Entertainment Weekly.November 29, 1996.RetrievedJuly 21,2014.
  17. ^"Behind the Scenes at MSN 2.0: Architecting an Internet-Based Online Service".Microsoft.com. 1997.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2003.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  18. ^"CNET News.com: Mixed bag for MSN – November 20, 1996".November 20, 1996. Archived fromthe originalon December 30, 1996.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  19. ^"The Official msNOT Hate Site".December 21, 1996. Archived fromthe originalon December 21, 1996.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  20. ^"New York Times: Disgruntled MSN Members Launch Site to Air Grievances".New York Times.November 23, 1996.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  21. ^"The Microsoft Network Previews Service Upgrade".News Center.Microsoft.July 21, 1997.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  22. ^Burr, Ty (March 20, 1998)."MSN dropping entertainment" shows "and focusing on advertising".Entertainment weekly.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  23. ^"The Microsoft Network Announces Significant Service Upgrade Backed by" Million Dollar Madness "Sweepstakes".News Center.Microsoft.October 13, 1997.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  24. ^Paul Thurrott(July 30, 1997)."Microsoft upgrades MSN to version 2.5".ITPro Windows.RetrievedJuly 21,2014.
  25. ^ab"MSN Explorer Update History".MSN.RetrievedSeptember 26,2017.
  26. ^Tsukayama, Hayley (February 19, 2013)."Outlook.com gets official, will replace Hotmail".Washington Post.RetrievedJuly 21,2014.
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  28. ^"sympatico.msn.ca".sympatico.msn.ca. January 1, 1970. Archived fromthe originalon September 30, 2007.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  29. ^"prodigy.msn.com".prodigy.msn.com. December 31, 1999. Archived fromthe originalon March 12, 2008.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  30. ^"MSN Worldwide".Msn.com. December 31, 1999. Archived fromthe originalon November 27, 2007.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  31. ^"Microsoft's Research and Development Center in China".Gadget4boys.com. February 1, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon January 25, 2009.RetrievedMay 1,2012.
  32. ^"MSN Premium kaufen – Microsoft Store de-DE".Microsoft.
  33. ^"Acheter MSN Premium - Microsoft Store fr-FR".Microsoft.
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  35. ^"Verizon Transition: FAQ".Microsoft.Archived fromthe originalon March 27, 2014.RetrievedMarch 26,2014.

External links[edit]

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