Getting Started

To start using AOL Instant messenger (AIM) you need to download and install the AIM client.  If you don't yet have AIM installed, you can download it here:

Windows AIM 4.7 (2.56 MB)

If you are not running a Windows operating system, you can go to http://www.aim.com and select your operating system from the "Get AIM" menu.

Once you have finished downloading and installing AIM onto your computer, run the program by clicking on the AOL Instant Messenger icon created on your desktop or in your programs list.  This will load the AIM Sign On box:

Before you can sign on, you will need to create a screen name.  If you sign on using the "New User" screen name as shown above, a dialog box will pop up and give you the option to "Register new screen name", clicking that button will bring you to the form you need to fill out to create your screen name.  Once you have completed the screen name registration, go back to the AIM Sign On box and enter your screen name and password into the appropriate fields and click the  "Sign On" button.

If you already have an AOL account you can sign on using the same screen name and password as you do to log on to AOL.

That's it, you are now signed on to AIM and can begin Instant Messaging your buddies.  For more information on using the AIM client, check out the rest of our AIM Tutorials.