AOL Instant Messenger, or AIM as most call it around the internet, allows people to communicate with each other instantly over the internet. Applications for mobile devices, like the iPhone, allow consumers to use the free service on the go. The program is free to download. It's also free to make a screen name. You can get an email with the screen name. Avatars, wallpapers, radio, games and
. emoticons are also available to all users free. Users create their screen names on AOL's website.An AIM screen name is the name people use to find another person. Users type the screen name into the messenger box, type out the message and click " Send." If the person is online, then the message appears to them right away. If he is offline, he will see it when he logs back onto the service. A good AIM screen name should reflect the person, but not reveal too much personal information. For example, don't use first and last names, town names, full birth dates or zip codes. First names, graduation years, birth year, character names, favorite foods, hobbies and other items work for screen names.Another factor that plays into the type of screen name a person creates is how the person intends to use the service. For example, if it's for professional contacts, use a portion of the business name or last name. BeachBabe175 doesn't sound professional.AIM uses a Buddy List system. Users add people they know to their Buddy Lists to see when someone is online. If a user logs on, but can't talk for whatever reason, he can put up an away message saying when he'll be back. It's also possible to hide from people's Buddy Lists by using the invisible feature. This way, users can talk to people without others knowing they are online.More reference links: http://www.aim.com/ http://www.oldversion.com/AOL-Instant-Messenger.html
