AOL INSTANT MESSENGER
Introduction
Current versions of AOL Instant Messenger are capable of communicating using audio and video. Since AOL Instant Messenger is widely used, this section will detail the use of this software application for basic person-to-person video conferencing.
System Requirements to Use AIM Video
| Client OS | Client Machine Specs | Video/Audio Equipment |
| Windows XP Operating | 233 MHz or faster processor 64 MB RAM Vendor Info |
A web camera Internet connection Vendor Info |
| Apple iChat AV version 2.1 | 233 MHz or faster processor 64 MB RAM Vendor Info |
A web camera Internet connection Vendor Info |
Getting AIM
Downloading From AOL You can download AIM from the AOL Instant Messenger website http://www.aim.com by following the download AIM link.
New Users
In order to use AIM, an account must be created. However, if you have an AOL account you could use your AOL username and password to login to AIM.
To create a new username, click on "New Users Click here" button and fill in the appropriate information and submit. Once the submitted data is approved your account is created and follow the directions to download and install AIM.
Current Users
Current users with AIM accounts should upgrade their versions to the latest available. Go to www.aim.com and click on the Upgrade Now button. Follow the directions to download and install the latest version onto your machine.
Basic AIM Layout
The basic default client layout is shown in figure 1.
It has a video and audio control buttons on the bottom center of the client and a video display screen on the right side with two tab buttons to display “My buddy” and “My Camera” video input.
Videoconferencing
You have the choice of selecting a person or multiple people by clicking on the button "IM a Buddy" or by clicking "IM a Group".
- Make sure other person is using AIM application that is listed under Supported Clients and Hardware and has to be used together with an analogue video camera.
- Open an IM window with the buddy with whom you wish to establish a camera session and click the Video button at the bottom of the IM window.
- When the connection has been established you will see the image from your buddy’s camera in the Live Video IM window in the My Buddy tab. To view the image from your camera, click the My Camera tab.
- Ensure your talk/video On/Off buttons are pressed in the AIM window.
- If you have audio On/Off switches on your PC (e.g., keyboard), make sure those are turned on as well.
- You should be able to have a two way video conference.
Feedback/Support
For primary support with the AIM application, please contact DCEO Videoconferencing Support line: 732-445-1907 EXT 0. For feedback on the client and/or this web documentation, please contact oirt@rutgers.edu.