Version 2, the latest version, of MSN search toolbar with Windows desktop search included, is now available. Some of you may have been using the trial version so it's worthwhile updating to get all the latest features.

The search toolbar and desktop search are only available for users of Windows XP and 2003. Windows 98/ME/2000 users will have to be content with just the search toolbar.

After download and installation on an XP machine, you'll be able to either search the web or your computer for documents and emails. Internet Explorer will have the new toolbar which will give you quick access to services such as your Hotmail, My Spaces and Messenger contacts. As well, the search button has a dropdown list to enable you to choose whether you want to search the web or your desktop, set the search for the whole web or narrow down sites to a particular country, and whether you want to search just for images or news items.

Desktop search indexes all documents in your My Documents folder by default (you can include other folders and types in files under Options) and once you've opened Outlook Express or Outlook, indexing of your emails takes place. Outlook users will note they have search access from within Outlook itself. Note that indexing only occurs when you're not busy using your PC so you won't notice any slowing down but you'll be surprised at how quickly desktop search finds your files!

Finding documents - and that includes photos, images or videos - on your computer can be done from the Start button and calling up Windows Desktop Search. Or, if you've got Windows Explorer open, you can search from the toolbar that's part of the Explorer window. Another option is to use the Deskbar which is placed down on the right-hand side of the taskbar.

When you've entered the text to search for, whether it be part of a document or the name of picture of video, Desktop Search will list all documents found on the left of its windows and on the right side you'll see a preview of the document. If the document requires Acrobat Reader for viewing, then that's automatically loaded into the preview pane. If it's a video, you only have to click the name to play it in Windows Media Player.

We've just had the upgrade to MSN Messenger to bring it to full version 7 status. And then just the other day, we're told to update again!

Well, it's all worth it as now there's far more connectivity between Messenger, Hotmail, My Space and MSN Search. What that means is that you can access each service from any of the others. So if you're writing an email in Hotmail, you can use the Messenger tab on the toolbar to send off an instant message to one of your contacts. Or you have the choice of sending an instant message instead of replying to an email from one of your contacts.

After you've used Messenger for a time, particularly if you chat with the audio/video feature, it becomes apparent that instant messaging is a far more efficient way to keep in touch with family and friends and email becomes quite tedious.