With the advent of Windows 7, Microsoft has taken different approach with a number of free programs it used to bundle with its operating systems. Instead of automatically including things like email, instant messaging and blogging, Microsoft ships Windows 7 without that stuff -- which is a good thing, since it makes the OS smaller. But don't panic if you want those programs: They're still around, now offered as a download through "Windows Live Essentials."
Over the next several months, I'll be reviewing each of the programs included in Live Essentials. The first step, however, is download and install them. To start, surf to the Live Essentials website. The site, as you can see here, lists all the programs available for download, along with a brief description of each. Click the "Download" button on the right, which I've highlighted here in red. (Note that under the Download button is a link that says "System Requirements." Click this link to make sure your computer meets the minimums necessary to use Live Essentials.)