Yahoo! Messenger for the web is designed to complement Yahoo! Messenger on your desktop. To say things like, "Great job!" or, "Why didn’t I think of that!!!" OK, maybe not. But what it does do is handle the basics: your Messenger List and real-time online conversations. Adding contacts and adjusting your status. Even saving and searching your past messages.

In the web version of Messenger, your image/avatar is on display, and your stealth settings and block list are also in effect. But you can't modify these things. To make those adjustments, use the application (the 'client') that’s installed on your computer.

In Messenger for the Web, you also won’t be able to conference, chat, transfer files or share photos; or use webcams, Voice, IMvironments, LaunchCast Radio, PlugIns, or audibles.