I want to get off aol (already am for me) but my kids are into the
"IM" feature which they believe  is the "only" way they can instant
chat with their other friends (mostly who are on aol)... i know the
technology is imminent to IM between say yahoo.com and aol.com but is
it here yet? can i subscribe to something cheaper than 23.oo month to
get this limited aol feature? (i have a cable modem!)
bamboozled by aol

Hello charidea,

You will be pleased to find out that AOL instant messenger can be used
by anyone with an internet connection, 100% free.

All you have to do is go to http://www.aim.com/index.adp and click on
'Get AIM' and then select Windows.

Your kids might have to sign up for new (free) screen names, but this
should not be the end of the world, all their friends can be
transferred over to this service.

I occasionally use AOL Instant Messenger to stay in contact with
friends, and do not have an AOL Account.

I hope this is the type of answer you were looking for. If you need
any clarifications, please let me know and I will do my best to
further assist you.

tisme-ga


Search Strategy:

aol instant messenger
://www.google.com/search?q=aol+instant+messenger

Anyone, even someone who has never been an AOL member, can use "AIM"
(the AOL Instant Messenger) at no cost. I am a living example.

I personally use Trillian, which allows you to instant message between
AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, IRC, and MSN Messenger. Download it for
free at http://www.trillian.cc

I don't know if it is possible though AOL's service IM to save your
buddy list but I'd advise checking into it. This way you can download
the AIM client and cimply import your previous settings and you won't
need to pay for AOL service anymore. AIM is completely free and there
is even something called "AIM Express" whcih is a Java applet you can
load on any windows machine while you're away from home and still chat
with your buddies for free. I know the Buddy list can be saved in the
AIM client (the program seperate from the AIM service) but I advise to
see if you can save your list from the AOL service so you won't have
problems making the adjustment. Good luck with this!