About AOL Instant Messenger

AOL Instant Messenger, also known as AIM for short, is a free instant messaging software where all registered users can communicate with each other in real time by using text or chat, voice, and even video online. The latest AOL Messenger represents the next generation of AIM, with an all new user experience, offering a stylish, tabbed look and feel. The official AIM client software is available to be downloaded free of charge and can be installed on any major opersting system, such as Windows, Mac OS and Mac OS X, and Linux. Currently, AIM still holds a large share of the instant messaging market, and its official website is AIM.com

Since its second version, AIM has always included common features, such as one-on-one instant messaging, chatroom messaging, and peer-to-peer capability to share files with one’s contacts. Later AOL Messenger versions introduced the server-hosted contact list, online gaming capability, video conferencing between AIM subscribers and with users of Apple’s previously released iChat. Other newly released functionality included AIM Pages connection, additional customization options, and compatibility with address book programs and sites through a "Universal Address Book". Several Features that were unavailable in the prior versions were added as well, such as the "Get File" function, global font customization, and lighter cache usage. In addition, a very important milestone for AOL was the opening of AIM source to developers, which enabled anyone to create plug-ins or custom AIM clients for Windows, Macintosh, or Linux.

The newly added "Quicknote" feature is designed to replace the initial conversation window to provide a summary of your buddy’s contact information and gives users three choices: launching an IM session, an AOL Talk session or sending a SMS text message to a mobile phone user.

AIM’s new tabbed messaging interface allows users to easily switch between text, mobile instant messaging or AOL Talk. Capability to launch video IM sessions, share files or images and invite Buddies to play games with one click is in the plans for the future.

AOL Messenger also incorporates the new "IM Catcher", which is supposed to aggregate all messages into a single interface and help users effectively sort and manage their chat sessions with an unlimited number of Buddies.

Read our brief review of AOL Instant Messenger for more information about the program.

Main Features of AOL Instant Messenger include the following:

• Send short text messages over the internet to your friends, family, and colleagues.
• Host one-on-one or conference-style chats, voice and video calls
• Send files and share videos & pictures with all your friends instantly and easily
• Express yourself with standard AIM emoticons (cartoon face characters, symbols and pictures).
• Download AOL Instant Messenger now

AOL AIM User Resources

Addon Resources

Already itching to install cool add-ons for your instant messengers? Learn about Mindspark's addon SmileyCentral, or the Iminent addon from Iminent SA.
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