AIM, the most popular instant message program in the United States but not the world, was released by AOL in May of 1997.
This instant messaging application allows users to communicate in real time via text, voice and video over the Internet.

AIM Express.

AIM Express is an online version of AIM. It is used by people that wish to use AIM but they are unable or unwilling to install an executable client on their machines. AIM Express does not provide advanced features like audio chat or video conferencing.

Launch AIM Express.

Differeces between AIM and other instant messengers like Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger.

AIM has some difference from Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger. It is not needed to approve somebody to be added to another’s buddy list. However, one can block another user from communicating and also enhance privacy by selecting a menu option allowing communication only with those on one’s buddy list.

AIM terms.

AIM and AOL also use several terms for elements of their instant messaging different from other messengers. Some of them are:
Away message: It’s like the voice message on an answering machine or voice mail system. A user may post a message to other users even though it is not available.

Block: If you are being threatened or annoyed by someone, you can block that user. He want be able to contact you with his or her current screen name, as well as removes the user from their buddy list.

Buddy list: This is the list that contains the status of up to 1000 buddies stored on an AIM server. The status of the buddies can be seen as ‘online’, ‘away’, ‘idle’, ‘mobile’, or ‘offline’.
Direct connections: AIM users are able to connect to each other’s computers directly.
Screenname: This is the term of the user name. The screen names are available for free with registration.
Spim: Spam over Instant messaging. The spam problem in e-mail has the potential to spread to Instant Messaging like on-line advertisements. AOL has block most spam, but some still passes through to users.
Rate limiting: this does not allow you to send too many messages in a short period of time. Once a user is rate limited, they are temporarily unable to send messages, but may still receive messages.

Instal AIM for Windows (Version 6.1, AIM 6.1)