AIM info request by Luddite far from friends

[havocmom]

We had to get a new computer as old one died. New XP operating system not TOO annoying (but I miss my old Windows Office and might try to install it in place of the piddley stand in XP has).

A pal far away was just given a new iMac by her daughter. They called and wanted to know if I still have AIM. Hadn't used it in ages on the old computer, haven't got a clue about putting it on the new one.

The new 'puter has AOL (the whole thing) already on it, but living out in the boondocks, we use our local phone co-op for our DSL service. Long distance connection is very pricy otherwise and besides, it is a good service, so I don't wanna do the AOL thing for our internet service.

Just wanna use AIM, which I think is free and runs via my chosen server. But as I just don't trust AOL, and worry about the crap that is already on the new 'puter re AOL, I am terrified to press the DOWNLOAD NOW button :scared:

Reading about the 'free AIM' I gather it comew complete with a browser. I love my Mozilla and really don't wanna use a different browser. But I do wanna be able to chat with my far away pal. We are getting on in years and time is precious ;)

Anybody have soothing words to calm my qualms about all things AOL? I had an old screen name, but it seems they don't recognize it anymore. Don't know if it's because I haven't downloaded the new AIM.

Geeze, I am so hopeless. Bad memories or AOL from long ago makes me VERY skittish about it. When I saw it was loaded on the new computer, my first impluse was to get it the fuck off! LOL

Any advice, testimonials or PMs gratefully accepted. I'll make you cookies...

[RoyGBiv]

1. Try GAIM

http://gaim.sourceforge.net/downloads.php

This is a free, OpenSource, instant messaging client that is able to use several IM networks, including AIM. IIRC, replacing the AOL client was the original purpose, thus the name.

It will not mess up anything else on your system, and you can use it for instant messaging with your friends without having to use proprietary software or AOL.

[salvorhardin]

2. What RoyGBiv said

GAIM is excellent and you won't be tied down to just AIM as it does just about every chat service out there.

[havocmom]

3. Thanks to both or you

I got the aim on but am gonna look into your recommendations about the other platform later this week when there is time. Will it let me do MSN chat too? Have another friend who uses that one.

[salvorhardin]

4. From GAIM's About page

Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. It is compatible with AIM and ICQ (Oscar protocol), MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, SILC, GroupWise Messenger, and Zephyr networks.

Gaim users can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger, and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time.
http://gaim.sourceforge.net/about.php

It will also work with Google Talk, although audio functionality is currently not supported (but being actively developed).
http://www.google.com/support/talk/bin/answer.py?answer=24073