Substituting AIM on Windows Vista

Accessing Your AIM Buddies without the Issues

For AIM 6.5 or 6.8 users who have upgraded to Windows Vista, chances are good you may be sending more messages to AIM support than to friends on your Buddy List these days. In addition to possible major security problems, from disabling your firewall to affecting your virus protection settings, Vista users report freezing screens as the most common issue when using AIM. Unfortunately, it seems there are no answers in sight for resolving these operating issues; the good news is you have other options.

Instead of dumping all your AIM contacts, consider taking advantage of these other clients which offer access to your AIM Buddy List, in addition to opportunities to talk with other contacts on other networks.

For the AIM Enthusiast

For some, the suggestion to consider another client to access AIM might be downright blasphemous; understandably, the devotion to IM's most venerable client is almost sacrosanct. Windows Vista users who can't seem to step away from the cute yellow running man should consider the AIM Express service.

This cute little AIM client is web-based, so it doesn't require a download--which means there should be no issues when using it with Windows Vista. You will however need one of the following:

• Internet Explorer 5.5 or later
• Firefox 1.0 and later
• Mozilla 1.4 or later
• Netscape 7.1 and later
• Pop-ups from AIM.com enabled

Web-Based Alternatives

For Windows Vista users who are a little more adventurous, you might very well consider forgoing the old download and installation routine and choose a web-based IM client. Try Meebo or one of our other recommended clients requiring little more than an Internet connection and a web browser; its easy to use and gets you in front of your IM friends with little effort.

Multi-Protocol IMs

One of the best developments in IM in the last decade is the multi-protocol IM, which offers access to all your IM contacts across the multitude of networks, including AIM. I personally recommend Digsby and Pidgin for their ease of use and lack of major issues with Windows Vista.

Portable IMs

Have a USB drive handy? For AIM lovers, there are two very excellent portable IM clients available that you can download and install to your computer as a low RAM option or on a USB drive, so you can operate this tiny little client at home or on the run. Check out MiniAIM and TerraIM for access to all your favorite AIM contacts--without the bulkiness of the original client.

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Have A Question About AIM? Brandon De Hoyos, your Guide to IM at About.com, loves to help! Send your queries, comments or concerns by email to im.guide@about.com.
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