How to Set Up AOL Instant Messenger

Are e-mails too slow for you? Set up AOL Instant Messenger and communicate instantly by typing back and forth in "real time." AOL Instant Messenger is included in AOL software, but people with other Internet service providers can also download the Messenger software for free off the Web.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet Access
• Computers
• America Online

AOL Users

1. Sign on to AOL.

2. Click People on the taskbar.

3. Click View Buddy List.

4. Click Setup.

5. Click Create.

6. Type in a Buddy List Group Name (such as "Soccer Buddies").

7. Type in an AOL screen name you want to have in your IM Buddy List group, then click Add Buddy.

8. Repeat until you've added all your buddies, then click Save.

9. Click Privacy Preferences to choose which people to block or allow to instant message you.

10. Click Setup on your buddy list and click Edit to change your settings if you decide to change your list.

Non-AOL Users

1. Open the Instant Messenger program.

2. Click the List Setup tab.

3. Click a folder or click the Add Group button at the bottm of the window to add a new buddy group.

4. Click the Add Buddy icon at the bottom of the window.

5. Add your friend's AOL screen name or Instant Messenger user name.

6. To set preferences for who can send you instant messages, open the File menu and choose My Options, then Edit Preferences.

7. Click the Control tab in the box that appears.

8. Choose whether you want everyone who uses Instant Messenger to be able to send you messages, or only people you add to your buddy list, or only specific people you name, be they buddies or no. Also choose whether you want people to be able to search for your Instant Messenger name if they know your e-mail address.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to create a buddy group before you can add a name to your list. All your "buddies" must be in a group.

• AOL users can instant message people who download the Messenger from the Web site - you just need your friend's Instant Messenger user name. (You'll have to ask.)

• Open the File menu and choose My Profile to enter information about yourself - other Instant Messenger users can search for certain characteristics to find and send you messages. You don't have to enter a profile to use the Messenger; you may choose to be completely private.

• Open the People menu and choose Find a Buddy to search for Instant Messenger users by e-mail address, name or common interest.