Start AIM:

Connect to the Internet (dial-up or networking connection).

Click on the AIM icon on your desktop or in the Quick Launch area:

If you don't have an icon, click
Start > Programs > AOL Instant Messenger > AOL Instant Messenger

Sign On

Enter your screen name and password, make sure both "Save password" and "Auto-login"
are checked. The next time you start AIM, you won't have to enter your screen name and
password again ... it will automatically log you on.

The screen on the left shows you what you'll see ... it tells you who is on-line and who isn't.

If you want to add a buddy, click on Setup and choose "Buddy List Setup".

To add a family member, click the "Family" group once to highlight (select) it.

Then, click "Add buddy" and type the person's screen name.

When you are done, click the "Return to Buddy List" button

To change your preferences, on the Menu bar,
click My Aim >Edit Options >Edit Preferences

-or-

Click Setup > Preferences

-or-

hit the F3 key on your keyboard