Using Microsoft"s consumer online service, MSN (we"re not supposed to call it the Microsoft Network anymore), is a treat for anyone who uses the Internet to get news, shop, manage money, get a date, or do any of a score of other tasks. MSN reminds us that the Internet isn"t about computers, but rather about communities and information exchange. MSN: The Everyday Web shows you how to use MSN"s public, semi-public, and fee-based services. It"s written in a friendly style that assumes little technical knowledge on the part of the reader and clearly operates under the assumption that MSN exists not for its own sake, but for the enjoyment and productivity of its users. This is straight documentation of MSN, so don"t expect comparisons with or references to features of Yahoo or AOL that are similar to MSN offerings. Rather, you"ll find conversational paragraphs about MSN functions, with sets of numbered steps you can follow as a series of guided expeditions into MSN. Quirky features of the MSN environment that may not make intuitive sense to newcomers are explained painstakingly, such as Internet keywords and instant messaging. Again, it"s not at all critical coverage, but it shows you what"s available. --David Wall Topics covered: The MSN collection of online resources and how to use them, written in a fairly elementary tone; each MSN feature, such as greeting cards, auctions, news, house-hunting help, health information, and Internet searches.