How to Add a Screen Name in America Online

Series Summary

Instant messaging is a way two or more people can communicate via the Web primarily using text. As computers constantly change and improve, so do the instant messaging programs like Yahoo! Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger. Some of these chat services are able to send pictures, files and even hold video chats. The best part about these chatting programs is they are free and easy to download. In this free video series on Internet messaging computer programs, let a Web designer and producer explain how Yahoo!, MSN and Skype chat services work. First, he explains adding Yahoo! contacts to an MSN messenger account, changing MSN passwords and downloading Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista. Next, discover how to see if other chat users are in invisible mode, send files via MSN Messenger and use a Web cam for MSN Messenger. Finally, he talks about making various emoticons like kisses and hearts, getting old sounds for a Yahoo! IM account and using Skype for Internet chatting.

Video Transcript

"We're here today to show you how to set a screen name in America Online, also known in this case, as AIM or America Online Instant Messenger. It's really easy to add a screen name in America Online. Here's how to do it. First, click "get a screen name." This will bring up the AIM dashboard. You see you have different options. You can create an account or you can use instant email or address as a screen mane. Hit "continue". Here's where you can put in your desired screen name. Note that this is a free account. You never have to pay for an AIM account. So, put in a screen name of three to sixteen letters or numbers. It must start with a letter. Have a little fun here. And put in a password, six to sixteen characters. It's always a good idea to use a combination of letters and numbers to make sure people don't just randomly guess it. Don't use your mother's birthday. Now, if you've forgotten your password, AOL has provided this account security questions, so you can pick one of their questions and then supply an answer. So, when you forget a password, you can just get a gentle hint and then they will send you your password. We'll say "The Da Vinci Code". That seems like a good one to remember. It also lets you put in your alternate email address, which is kind of a good back up precaution. And then, there's a simple security check, which is very common. This is a kind of format that provide random numbers and letters together. And once you put in, you can move on. Congratulations. You have successfully registered your screen name. Hit "continue". You'll be returned to the home screen. You can go ahead and get rid of this page if you like. Go ahead and put in your screen name. Put in your password. Hit "sign in" and then you're ready to go."