America Online’s Instant Messenger is one of the top chat/messaging programs available for free download. It’s a real-time message program, so once you’ve typed a message to someone and sent it, the message automatically appears on the person’s screen to whom you sent it.
Downloading/ Installation
Downloading and installing is quite simple. You can download this product from practically any website that offers downloads (e.g. CNet, Tucows, ZDNet, or directly from AOL’s website at https://aol.com/aim). Downloading only takes a few minutes (depending upon your modem speed) then once you’ve got it downloaded all you have to do it tell it to install. The program will ask you if you’d like to run it as soon as it’s finished downloading. Installation software is ’’smart’’. It basically does everything on it’s own, all you have to do is tell it go. After installation, you only need to run the program. In most cases, however, it’ll automatically begin running, so you need not even do that.
Also, AIM updates the program every so often. Your AIM will display a message telling you there is a newer version available and will allow you to automatically update, if you so choose.
Features
AIM is now chalk full of features. It’s changed a lot in the past few years. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’ve seen it grow up, so to speak.
·Lists-- This is simply which category you wish to put certain persons in. There are three lists already available, but you can create your own, and as many as you like. The lists that are already installed on the program are: Buddy, Co-Workers, and Family.
·Adding/Deleting Buddies-- Adding buddies is simple, you simply type the username of the person you wish to add and (s)he’s added. Deleting buddies is even easier. All you need to do is highlight that buddy’s username and press the ’’delete’’ button.
·Messaging-- All messages are real time. Meaning, the message is sent/received automatically. This is good for several reasons: you haven’t got to worry about the message getting there, it’s very convenient for this reason. However, on the other side of that, you can’t leave messages for persons, like you can do with many other programs, if (s)he is not online.
·Ticker-- I don’t care for this feature, but it’s there if you so choose to use it. The ticker works on whatever settings you have for it. It’ll deliver news, sports and weather to you as often as you like.
·Profile-- You may create your own profile using a wide variety of fonts and colors (colors for both the font and background).
·Talk-- You can now engage in voice chat with your buddy if you like. The sound/ connection’s not the greatest, but it’s better than having a huge telephone bill.
·File Transfer-- You can send your buddy files via AIM. Share your picture, send program, etc.
·Chat-- AIM now offers chat as well. You can connect to your buddy to chat (like in a real chat room). This is even quicker than messaging.
·Load/Save Buddy Lists-- This is one of my favorite AIM features. It allows you to save your buddy list. Just in case you must re-install AIM, you’ll have your list backed up and you’ll not have to search high and low for those persons on your list you just can’t live without.
·Connecting to Buddies-- This is a feature I rarely use. It makes things easier to share files and do voice chat with your buddy. However, it’s not incredibly safe. If you don’t know your buddy very well, I’d not advise doing this, as you are really connected to their computer and vice versa. If they wished they could access any/all your files. You send/receive the invitation to connect and which ever party is on the receiving end decides if they wish to connect or not. You haven’t got to do it. It’s not done automatically.
·Games-- I’ve never played a single game on AIM or via AIM. Apparently you choose to play a game with your buddy and you’re sent to a gaming room. Not terribly sure how that works though.
·Buddy Icons-- This is by far, my favorite feature. You can select an icon for yourself. It will be displayed to any person that has a version of AIM early enough to see buddy icons. It’s a lot of fun to do. You can search for an icon that’s right for you or create your own. AIM also provides a fair amount of less than par looking icons, but I prefer not to use those. You can also use a particular icon for any person on your buddy list, just in case you don’t care for their own icon.
Privacy Settings
Unlike most programs of the like, AIM offers little privacy. Anyone can see you’re online unless you block a buddy. However, if you block a person, you’ll not be able to see them either.
Final Thoughts
While AIM’s not my favorite chat/messaging program, it certainly is one of the best. It’s easy to use, offers many options, and has millions of users. It’s worth the download.