Microsoft on Wednesday launched an upgraded version of its MSN Spaces website that lets users quickly create a website or blog, post photos and build a network of contacts.Microsoft is renaming the portal Windows Live Spaces, part of a group of software applications the company has been developing carrying the Live name. Some of the new Live services are upgrades of existing Microsoft programs, such as e-mail and instant messaging.The services offered for free will be supported by advertising, which Microsoft said is “critical to driving growth for the company.” Microsoft is competing with Yahoo, Google and others for a share of a growing online advertising market founded on Web-based software applications, including social networking sites. Live Spaces incorporates many features already used in other social networking sites such as MySpace.com, an online community owned by News Corp. with more than 70 million users.For example, users who are already using Microsoft’s instant-messaging application can start a chat from within Live Spaces. Live Spaces also allows users to add others to their network of friends based on introductions from “trusted” contacts. Microsoft has also implemented controls addressing rising worries concerning minors using social networking sites. Users can control who may contact them through Live Spaces and also who can view their profile and site content.By default, the profile of users under 18 years old can be viewed only by people who are in that particular person’s instant-messaging contacts, Microsoft said. Microsoft is offering mini-applications called gadgets for users to personalize their pages. The Live Spaces service can be found here.Microsoft also said it will release 10 of 20 beta versions of its Live services by the end of September. The company said it will release in the coming weeks a new version of the Windows Live Safety Center, a free Web-based antivirus and performance management application. Microsoft is changing that product’s name to Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner.Microsoft is also putting finishing touches on its Live Toolbar, an Internet browser search bar launched in 38 markets this week. The company said it has incorporated access to other security offerings within the toolbar. The company also teased another service, a beta called Live QnA, which Microsoft describes as an online forum where people can ask and answer questions on topics. A sign-up is available here.-Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service (London Bureau)This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content feature 6 generative AI hazards IT leaders should avoid The opportunities to use generative AI will greatly vary for each organization, but the ways it can go wrong are turning out to be fairly universal. By Mary Branscombe Dec 06, 2023 11 mins CIO Application Performance Management Generative AI interview Delivering value through IT at Village Roadshow During a recent CIO Leadership Live session, Michael Fagan, chief transformation officer of Australian cinema and theme park company Village Roadshow, spoke with CIO’s editor in chief for APAC Cathy O'Sullivan about delivering value, colla By CIO staff Dec 06, 2023 8 mins CIO CIO Leadership Live Change Management feature DS Smith sets a single-cloud agenda for sustainability The British packaging manufacturer has launched an AWS-centric digital transformation aimed at better leveraging data for more productive business outcomes — including reduced impact on the environment. By Paula Rooney Dec 06, 2023 7 mins Amazon Web Services Digital Transformation Cloud Computing news UAE businesses have AI regulation as a top priority By Andrea Benito Dec 06, 2023 3 mins Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe