What’s up with MSN Explorer?

I just received this message from Windows Secrets Newsletter reader JW:

HI—I’ve been a Windows Secrets subscriber for several years and enjoy your publication.

Could you please address an MSN issue that confuses me?  I’m fairly computer savvy, but I use mine primarily for work and don’t spend time on sites like MSN.  I sometimes use Internet Explorer, and I have a MSN e-mail account that once was a Pop3 and now comes resides in Windows Live.  I do not, however, use MSN Explorer, and unless it is hiding somewhere in my Vista programs, it is not even installed.

Yet, I get an e-mail from MSN advising that the virus protection system in MSN Explorer is changing, and I have to take some action.  Is this just a shotgun approach by MSN, or am I somehow using MSN Explorer without realizing it?

The same problem arises when I call MSN tech support when their e-mail goes out—they seem offended that I am not using MSN Explorer.

I’m always surprised at how many questions I get about MSN Explorer. MSN Explorer is a for-pay browser that’s very, very long in the tooth. It runs as an advertising-laden shell over Internet Explorer. Microsoft has basically given up on it.

Do you pay for an @msn.com email address? If so, you may need to keep paying for MSN service, or you’ll lose the id.

Far better: wean yourself over to one of the top (free!) online email systems like Gmail or Hotmail or Yahoo Mail. Use Firefox, not Internet Explorer.

And ignore any mail you get about MSN Explorer. If it isn’t installed on your system – and it sounds like it isn’t – you don’t have anything to worry about.

[Edit: I should note that my opinion about MSN Explorer applies, in spades, to AOL as well. If you're still paying AOL, it's time to cut the cord and go out in the real world. Things are much easier now than they were ten - evn five - years ago. Don't throw away your money! If you need to keep that @aol.com email address, learn how to use AOL's free services. Better, move to Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo Mail, and get Firefox.]