For non-AOLers

By Harvey Beeferman, June 7, 2002

 

(For Robin’s IM web page go to http://internetsig.homestead.com/IM.html )

 

Why use AOL Instant Messenger?

 

1.    Exchange instant messages with friends and family

2.    Talk (voice) with anyone, anywhere FREE

 

New Features in AIM 4.8 (more info)

 

1. E-mail and Address Book Integration
2. The AIM Today Window
3. Can send Buddy list
4. Can send IM Greetings
5. Can rate Buddies

 

Downloading and installing AIM

1.    Go to the following website to download AIM: http://aim.com

2. If you are a “new user” then click the all new AIM 4.8 image (see below) and follow the on-screen instructions to get a screen name.

3.    If you already have an AIM name and just wish to update to AIM 4.8 then click the click here link and enter your AIM name. 

4.    Download AIM installer file for Windows users and save it on your desktop or    download folder

5.    Double-click the installer icon (Install_AIM.exe) to start the installation process

6.    Go through the steps to complete the installation

  Tips for Configuring your AIM

1.    Set it for maximum privacy and security by allowing only people on your buddy list to communicate with you, uncheck allowing others to see how long you have been idle, and check allow others to know nothing about you.

2.    In the Sign on/off area uncheck “start AIM when Windows starts”

3.    In Filing Sharing area check “Don’t Allow file access”

 Starter Set of Shortcuts for Instant Messaging (IM) or Chat

?4U      = Question For You AFK      = Away From Keyboard B4N      = Bye For Now B/C       = Because BG       = Big Grin BO       = Brain Overload BRB     = Be Right Back BTDT    = Been There Done That BTW     = By The Way BYKT    = But You Know/Knew That CID       = Consider It Done CUL8R  = See You Later CWYL  = Chat With You Later FAQ     = Frequently Asked Questions F2F      = Face to Face F2T       = Free to Talk FWIW   = For What It’s Worth FYA      = For Your Amusement FYI       = For Your Information GMTA   = Great Minds Think A like G2G     = Got to Go HTH      = Hope This Helps IBK       = Idiot Behind Keyboard

JK        = Just Kidding IDK       = I Don’t Know K          = OK KISS     = Keep It Simple Stupid LOL      = Laughing Out Loud NRN     = No Reply Necessary OMG    = Oh My Gosh PCM     = Please Call Me PMJI     = Pardon My Jumping In ROTFL = Rolling On The Floor Laughing RUOK   = Are you OK? TIA       = Thanks In Advance TIC       = Tongue In Cheek TMI       = Too Much Information THX      = Thanks TOY      = Thinking Of You TTFN    = Ta-Ta For Now TTYL     = Talk To You Later WB       = Welcome Back WFM    = Works For Me WTG     = Way To Go

For a comprehensive list try LOL Acronyms 101 at http://netforbeginners.about.com/