AIM Express uses another protocol called TOC. The standard protocol that AIM clients use to communicate is called OSCAR. AIM Express supports many of the standard features included in the stand-alone client, but does not provide advanced features like file transfer, audio chat, or video conferencing. It is intended for use by people who are unable or unwilling to install an executable client on their machines but still want to use instant messaging. There is also a version of AIM, called AIM Express, that is implemented in DHTML and runs in a web browser. However, the latest version of AOL Instant Messenger's software license does allow the use of third party clients, subject to the terms and conditions of that third party. It was believed that versions of AIM including and above 4.0 contained a clause in the software license that disallowed the use of third party clients, so some users still use only the 3.0 series of AIM. Stand-alone official AIM client software is available for free for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Mac OS X, Linux, Windows CE, and Palm OS. Recent (4.3 and later) versions of the client software store one's contact information on AOL's servers, so one can keep track of up to 350 buddies from any computer with Internet access.
Somewhere in the 4.x series, the AIM client for Microsoft Windows added the ability to play games against one another. Since version 2.0, AIM has included person-to-person text messaging, chatroom messaging, and the ability to share files peer-to-peer with one's buddies. A user can block another user from all communications, but some users keep extra usernames for avoiding these blocks.
As a result, many users keep other unsuspecting users on their buddy list to read their profiles, even if they never send a message to that user. AIM is also noteworthy for its use of buddy icons and buddy profiles, allowing its users to construct a personal avatar and small personal information page.ĪIM's setup varies greatly from MSN Messenger in that it does not require approval from one buddy to be added to another's buddy list. AOL also has a member directory where AIM users can locate others online who share their interests. Chat topics range from heavy metal music to current affairs. Advocates claim that it is easy to locate these users by visiting chatrooms that AOL has set up solely for those purposes. AIM has 195 million users (January 2003), with a large proportion using Internet slang.
AIM allows users to communicate instantly through text to their "buddies" around the world, provided they have the AIM software.
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