After downloading AOL's Instant Messenger and signing on, a buddy list window will appear.

In this window, you are able to see the buddies you have added and also whose online at any particular time.

The first group, labeled "Buddies," is your buddies who are online at the moment. If a buddy signs on while you are on, the sound of a door opening will be heard. If a buddy signs off while you are on, the sound of a door closing will be heard. This window also lists the different categories for your buddies, such as family and coworkers.

You may edit these groups by clicking on the "Setup" tab and then clicking on the "+ Group" at the bottom of the screen.

You may also add to your buddy list by clicking on the "Setup" tab and then clicking on "+ Buddy" at the bottom of the screen.

The buttons at the bottom of the screen list five choices, "IM, Chat, Talk, Info and Find."

The function of each of the buttons is as follows:

The "IM" button. If you click on the name of one of your buddies that is online, then click the "IM" button, the message box will come up so you can send this particular buddy a message.

Type in your message and click the "Send" button and your message is on its way.

The next button is "Chat." This button is used to invite one or more of your buddies to join you in a chat session.

Just click the "Invite" button and the message is sent.

The next button is Talk. If you click on the "Talk" button, you will be able to send a message to a buddy to invite them to talk. This window is a message you receive that shows your buddy has been contacted. Once your buddy accepts, you can begin your conversation.

Note: You must have a sound card and a microphone to use this feature.

This window appears when you and your buddy are connected.

The controls allow you to control the volume of you and your buddy. Click on "Disconnect" to end your talk session.

The next button is "Info." Click on "Info" to find out about your buddies. If they have completed a profile, you will be able to look at this information.

If they have not completed a profile, a window will appear that states,"no information is provided."

The last button is "Find." Clicking on this button will allow you to do several things.

1. Search the Web, which takes you to http://search.aol.com/ which is AOL's search page.

2. Search The Yellow Pages, which is a business directory.

3. Search The White Pages, which is a directory to find an individual.

4. Find a Buddy, which allows you to search for a buddy by name and address, e-mail address or common interest.

Additional Information About AOL's Instant Messenger:

• Instant Messenging-Introduction
• Sending and Receiving Files and Images

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