AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is a free chat program offered by America Online. Before continuing with this tutorial, visit the AIM website and click “Download” to save the installation file to your desktop. Double click on the file’s icon to launch the installation process.
Agree to AIM’s terms of service and choose to do a “Custom Installation.” Uncheck all of the added features below this option so that you do not install a bunch of unnecessary and intrusive software.
Once AIM has finished its installation process, you will need to click “Get a screen name” on the program’s login screen and provide the required information. If you already have an AOL account, you can use that login information instead.
Once you are done, you can type your login information into the AIM program and sign in. If you would like AIM to save your password or automatically sign you in when the computer turns on, there are options for this on the login screen.
If you have friends or family whose screen names you want to add to your buddy list, click on “Edit.” Enter their contact information and press the “Save” button. Next time they are online, you can start chatting with them.
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