What is AIM? An introduction to AOL Instant Messenger

AOL Instant Messenger, or simply AIM, is a free instant messenger service. AIM is available on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Introduced in 1997, AIM is one of the most popular IM programs with over 60 million users. You don't need to be an AOL subscriber in order to sign-up to download and use AIM.

Features

aim-contacts AOL Instant Messenger has full range of features, including video and voice chat, status messages, logging and buddy icons (avatars). You can create custom away messages. AIM supports both person-to-person IM as well as multi-person IM conferencing or group chats.

Advertising

Did I say AIM was free? What I should have said is that you won't pay for the privilege of using it, but you will have to tolerate ads. There are ads on the buddy list and in your chat window… unless you choose an alternate client (read on).

Interoperability

AIM is actually offers some of the best interoperability going. From AIM, you can chat with contacts on ICQ, iChat and Google Talk (via Gmail Chat) — without having accounts on those IM networks! There are a number of good multiprotocol clients such as Adium, Digsby and Miranda, but these all require that you create accounts on each IM network you want to use.

Web-Based AIM

Sometimes you need to send an instant message from another computer and you don't want to (or cannot) install AIM. AOL provides a web-based version called AIM Express. It works across must browsers and operating systems, although it does require Flash support. With AIM Express, you won't get video, voice chat or file transfers, but it works fine for basic, text-based instant messaging.

Mobile Support

AIM supports a broad range of mobile devices, including specialized applications for:

Blackberry
iPhone & iPod Touch
Windows Mobile

In addition, most mobile carriers in the U.S. support text-based AIM in their handsets. You can check here for instructions on getting AIM on your phone.

Fun Stuff, Tips & Tricks

There is fun to be had with AIM. You can skin AIM with an Expression, swap out your buddy icons, or download a plugin to make AIM do new tricks.

AIM Gallery – Official AOL site for AIM widgets, bots, plugins and custom clients
Find a fun new buddy icon at MyBuddyIcons
Create your own AIM Expression
Prank your friends

AIM Alternatives

In March 2008, AOL introduced the Open AIM initiative, officially opening up AIM's protocol to third-party developers like Digsby, Trillian and meebo to hook into the AIM network without reverse engineering. Open AIM has spawned a series of alternative messengers, including

AIM Lite – a lightweight, advertisement-free version of AIM
Ahoihoi – a beautiful, streamlined version that you can recolor
and many others. Check the AIM Gallery for the latest list.

Installation Notes

When installing on Windows, take care to select Custom installation and uncheck the options you do not want. If you do the Full Installation, the installer makes aol.com your homepage, AOL Search your default search engine, and installs the AIM Toolbar in your browser. Choose wisely.

aim-installation-options