AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) (2000/XP/Vista)

You don't have to be an America Online member to experience the immediate cross-Internet communication made possible by AOL Instant Messenger. This program allows Internet users to communicate via private, personalized text messages, and indicates when friends, family members, and business colleagues are online. AOL Instant Messenger combines AOL's Buddy List and Instant Message features, enabling users to send and respond to messages immediately. Other features include a user directory and buddy chat capabilities, personalized news, and a Neighborhood Watch feature so you can disconnect when crank chatters contact you. You also can send personalized greetings from your Buddy List, forward a copy of your Buddy List to a friend, and add your own comments to an entry on your Buddy List. You can also create and share digital photo albums with your friends.

Version 6.5 includes the AOL Tunes Plugin to stream music, expanded social networking-style features, and other minor updates.

Note: After downloading AIM, be sure to register a screen name.