How to Use Aim

Aim is awesome. There is no better device to rapidly keep in touch with seemingly everyone you know. Businesses use it, as do college kids. I, myself, grew up as part of the "AIM generation." So, while I consider myself an expert in the field of instant messaging, I fully recognize that others aren’t so lucky. Here are some steps that will better acquaint you with the best and original online messaging system around.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Create a buddy list. One usually pops up as soon as you sign onto AIM. But let’s pretend you are setting up and would like to add buddies. Hit the "Setup" button near the top of your buddy list and type in the respective names of each buddy you want to include.

2. Set up your away messages. On the "People" tab for Macs, or by clicking the appropriate icon on the PC, you can create notes that alert your friends that you are away. Think of an away message as the AIM answering machine. You leave a message up and come back to notes from your friends.

3. Set up your profile. Also done by right clicking, hitting the appropriate icon or under the AIM tab for Macs. The profile is sort of your chance to show people what’s on your mind. It’s a way of showing the online universe how unique you are. Some people put quotes in their profile. Others put lyrics or their contact information. It’s entirely up to you.

4. Send an instant message. You can typically do this by double clicking on the respective buddy on your buddy list. Once the box appears, type in your message and hit send. It’s that easy.

5. Change your instant message font. This is done in preferences for the PC and under format for Macs. Again, your font is a chance to show how unique you can be. Go wild.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give out personal information (i.e., your address, phone number, credit card info) to people you don't know