University of Calgary

Video Conferencing with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

Submitted by powlesla on Tue, 2007-03-20 14:12.

Introduction
Requirements
Accounts Needed for AIM
Installing AIM
Creating a Buddy List
Calling
Editing Your Profile
Instant Messaging
File Transfer
Getting Help

Introduction

AOL Instant Messaging (AIM) is an instant messaging service offered by America Online. In addition to text messenging, AIM also provides audio and video capabilities.

AIM users on Windows can video conference with Mac users who are using iChat and an AOL account.

Requirements

  • Pentium 233 MHz processor minimum (500 MHz recommended)
  • Windows XP or Windows 2000
  • 128MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
  • 50MB free disk space
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
  • Macromedia Flash
  • Internet Connection (broadband recommended)
  • AOL Instant Messenger
  • USB compatible camera
  • Headphones and microphone are optional

Accounts for AIM

To use AIM, you will need an AOL account. AOL is free.

To sign up for a AOL screen name:

When you have obtained your AOL account, you can then install the AIM software.

Installing AIM

To install the AIM client:

Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install AIM client.

Creating a Buddy List

Before you start a video call you will need to add the other parties to your contact list.

To add a contact:

  • Under the Edit menu, select Add Buddy
  • Enter the screen name of your chosen buddy
  • Click Save

Calling

Placing a call

To begin a video call:

  • Open an instant messaging window by double-clicking on your selected buddy's name
  • Click on the Video tab to initiate a call.

Receiving a Call

If you do not already have an open chat window with the caller, one will open.

  • A request will appear in your chat window
  • Click Answer to start the call.

Ending Calls

To end a call:

  • Click the Close button, or
  • Close the IM window

Editing your Profile

To edit your AIM profile:

  • Under the Edit menu select My AIM page
  • Click the Personal Data tab
  • When finished editing, click Save Page

Instant Messaging

IM (Instant Messaging) is also available along with or independent from video and audio conversations.

File Transfers

Any kind of file can be quickly transferred to another user by simply dragging and dropping the file into the chat window. If a picture is being transferred, a thumbnail of the picture will appear in the message window.

Getting help

For help using AIM, select AIM Help under Help on the menu bar.

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