"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 will allow Internet users to communicate via private, personalized text messages.

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) indicates when friends, family members, and business colleagues are online, making Internet communications faster, easier, and more efficient.

AOL Instant Messenger combines AOL`s popular Buddy List and Instant Message features, enabling users to send and respond to messages immediately."

Some of our features are best tested when you interact with other Beta testers. Status Messages are a great example. Just click in the Available field and enter your status message

You'll only see custom messages for users currently testing the same software. We encourage you to create a new screen name and post it in the Message Boards created for this feature so others can add it to their Buddy List to see how this feature works. Or simply try it out with your buddies who have this version of the software.

The latest version of AIM 6.x can be downloaded here.

Here are some key features of "AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)":

· Connection settings: Having issues signing on? AIM can help you configure your firewall or proxy settings. Look for the Connection tab in your settings manager.
· Status message in the Buddy List: Broadcast a personal message to your friends, even when you're available. Simply type your message in the field under your screen name at the top of your Buddy List. It will appear under your screen name on their Buddy List and when they hover over you name too. More status integration is coming soon.
· My Quick Access Panel: Rollover your screen name at the top of the Buddy List and get one-click access to your settings, email, expressions and buddy info
· Buddy Details: From the Buddy List, roll over your buddy's screen name and take action. Send a text message, call their PC, send an email and more. Don't forget to try expanding the form and save info for your buddy.
· Tips from AIM: Did you know you could do that on AIM? Look for a tip on the IM window.
· Updated Advertisement placement: Conveniently moved to the bottom of the Buddy List to allow easier access to your menus.
· Text Message Mode: Don't waste your mobile phone text messages. Send them from AIM. Clicking the TXT Msg button on the IM form is just one new place you can access this mode.

Reasons why this program is marked as ad-supported:

· Attempts to change the homepage for web browsers installed on the system
· Offers to download or install software or components (AIM Toolbar with AIM Search) that the program does not require to fully function