I can send the instant messages to my brother and his family who communicate using MSN. However, that is not what I had hoped for. My brother's family wanted me to chat with me using the webcam so we could talk and see each other on line. I could then hear my nieces play their musical instruments, etc. However, the web cam does not function with it and neither does the voice. At times I can see my brother's cam... but can not hear a thing.