Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

freefulltime reviewed v7.5.14.8 on Aug 10, 2015

If you would like to figure out the way to easily download Aol Videos, please carry on with reading this article at http://www.allavsoft.com...l-video-downloader.html

It will show you how to fast achieve downloading video from Aol on Windows or Mac.

chrispaul reviewed v7.5.14.8 on Feb 17, 2014

very good

Soozy reviewed v7.5.14.8 on Jun 1, 2012

The above link did NOT take me to the 7.5 download. It gave me the new AIM 1.0.

Music4Ever reviewed v7.5.12.6 on Mar 6, 2012

There are far better messaging clients out there than this program that have been mentioned below - You can do better than AIM.

darkwzrd1 reviewed v7.5.12.6 on Mar 6, 2012

@Input Overload

You clearly have no idea what your talking about. Also, since when does AIM destroy a persons computer? Beta or Not. That's just stupid.... Plus there are "apps" available that remove Ads from this program.

robster2001 reviewed v7.5.8.2 on Jan 8, 2011

I'm disappointed in AOL - this version doesn't ask your permission, it just installs its toolbar and hijacks your browser homepage settings.

This is a major change from previous releases, and one that leaves me unable to recommend that you install it. There are better multi-platform clients such as Digsby or Trillian out there, and they're honest about what they install.

DoHickey reviewed v7.5.8.2 on Jan 8, 2011

Hey you two, this isn't a chat room so stop it.

For the people who like and need using IM software, This is a good application. I just don't need it myself and uninstalled it after testing.
I found nothing wrong with the program.

Input Overload reviewed v7.5.8.2 on Jan 7, 2011

Actually my sweetness davana I’m 6 feet 5 inches tall, & weigh 231 pounds.. And I thank you for the complements. I also live in the UK.

The software is on it's way to the programs up in the sky that have passed away. It's out-dated, & very intrusive & there isn't a decent Ad remover for it.. Use either MSN/Live or Trillian etc. Or even Yahoo.

As before get MSN, now called Live etc, & an Ad remover & it runs perfectly, no Ad's just plain screens with your contacts on. I use it every day & is totally stable, there safe patch URL below I have used for well over a yeear. Have fun.

MSN/Live Ad remover etc:- http://apatch.org/

DoHickey:- Please mind your own bloody business - Thank you. (What is it about americans)

davana reviewed v7.5.6.2 on Dec 9, 2010

Input overload is a fat 50 year old loser!
It's sad that hes all alone, poor, has no life, and does nothing but troll.
Go away you fat loser troll!
No one cares about your stupid loser opinions!
You reviews are meaningless and you are sh1t!!!!

Input Overload reviewed v7.5.6.2 on Dec 9, 2010

The program is useless.

davana I see you are still playing with Beta software. If you aren't careful you will have to pay to have your PC fixed again & I'm sure you don't want that again.

Also, sadly you wrong on all counts, although sometimes I wish I was more alone. And you certainly care about my opinions. I'll post you a fan club form.

And I know how to get you angry! -.ROFLAO.

davana reviewed v7.5.5.7 Beta 2 on Dec 6, 2010

Inputoverload is a LOSER!

Input Overload reviewed v7.5.4.11 Beta 1 on Nov 22, 2010

Prefer MS 'Live Messenger' with the ad remover. And I'm neither new/stupid or an AOL hater. I read recently AOL in the UK is about finished'. AOL was good about 15 years ago, now AOL & it's associated programs are irrelevant in 2010.

And someone in an earlier review on another program mentioning no names.... Wrote:- 'Bad stuff. Had to pay to fix my computer after using'. Should not be playing in the Beta forum or even own a PC. ;-)

davana reviewed v7.5.4.11 Beta 1 on Nov 20, 2010

This can instantly send SMS to any cellphone for free!
Bet your chat program can't do that stupid noob AOL haters!

some guy reviewed v7.5.4.11 Beta 1 on Nov 20, 2010

With AOL messenger and Netscape Navigator and Real Player your ready to rock the world. Oh and don't for get your Norton's Antivirus!

Sven123456789 reviewed v7.5.4.11 Beta 1 on Nov 19, 2010

People still use AOL? Holy Netscape batman..

niknetpc reviewed v7.4.5.12 on Oct 14, 2010

VictorAnderson is 100% correct, I try all Aol products incl.AIM,mail and like i said before very dissatisfied,all Aol product is a big pieces of crap today and early,poor developed, all best things from Aol is already discontinued,just search Aol products in FileForum and other software sites and view ratings,no more than tree stars, and read comments.I understand,Aol like American pride for those who live in US,sorry,I'm not from US and objective, still prefer Google, Skype or Numbuzz for IM because their products is ad free

Orbiting235 reviewed v7.4.4.13 Beta 2 on Sep 24, 2010

Ignore the trolls hating this program. AIM is a fantastic lightweight client these days. Combined with AimAdHack and it's smooth sailing. You simply cannot go wrong with this excellent IM program!

TomA102210 reviewed v7.4.4.13 Beta 2 on Sep 24, 2010

VictorAnderson said:

Reviewing 7.4.2.24 Beta 2 (Sep 23, 2010)

Another banner-ad filled pile of junk from AOL. Their user-count has diminished greatly over the years and this is a good example of why. There are simply too many alternatives that don't have the ads and use less system resources.

TomA102210 - You seem to be a fan of AOL products - which is rather surprising. Generally the only people that like AOL are a) people who simply have been with them since the internet started and b) users who don't know enough to realize it's a loaded with worthless crap.
If you insist on using the AIM messenger protocall - why not just something like trillian or pigen - you know -freeware apps that don't have all the freakn banner ads? What on earth would make you think it's a good idea to use this is beyond me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vic, old boy, troll somewhere else. The 1 (low) rating is for your post. AOL Instant Messenger still gets a 5.

VictorAnderson reviewed v7.4.4.13 Beta 2 on Sep 23, 2010

Another banner-ad filled pile of junk from AOL. Their user-count has diminished greatly over the years and this is a good example of why. There are simply too many alternatives that don't have the ads and use less system resources.

TomA102210 - You seem to be a fan of AOL products - which is rather surprising. Generally the only people that like AOL are a) people who simply have been with them since the internet started and b) users who don't know enough to realize it's a loaded with worthless crap.
If you insist on using the AIM messenger protocall - why not just something like trillian or pigen - you know -freeware apps that don't have all the freakn banner ads? What on earth would make you think it's a good idea to use this is beyond me.

TomA102210 reviewed v7.4.2.12 Beta 1 on Aug 12, 2010

niknetpc said:

"Reviewing 7.3.4.4 Beta 2 (May 10, 2010)

Are this dinosaur still here? Poor GUI and haotic setup menu,why people like this app full of ads and spyware, if lots of cool and clean msgs avaliable today??"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last I knew we referred to individuals like you as trolls. No doubt you've never tried any Aol. product and never will. AIM is one of the finest Instant Message programs around these days.

davana reviewed v7.3.6.4 on May 25, 2010

Stupid noob AOL haters! Try using it before giving your useless opinions! This is still way better then any chat program.

niknetpc reviewed v7.3.4.4 Beta 2 on May 10, 2010

Are this dinosaur still here? Poor GUI and haotic setup menu,why people like this app full of ads and spyware, if lots of cool and clean msgs avaliable today??

tigger4046 reviewed v7.2.6.1 on Mar 13, 2010

There is many ideas underway, making AIM even more powerful. First step was integrating Facebook stream and chat. Second was making it light. Now if you don't have access to the client of your choice or not on your own machine.
** Requires Flash 9 or higher **
Try the web edition http://o.aolcdn.com/aim/....1.4409/WidgetMain.html.

However I would like to see AOL Radio added, as a TAB on the messenger.

some guy reviewed v7.2 Beta 2 on Mar 2, 2010

you got mail

war593122 reviewed v7.2.3.10 Beta 1 on Feb 15, 2010

Sadly to see that they abandoned AIM Lite:

http://x.aim.com/laim/

Still to much crap for my taste. :(

craigun reviewed v7.1.4.10 Beta 3 on Nov 23, 2009

Continues to improve with each new Beta update!

EvoXXX reviewed v7.1.4.10 Beta 3 on Nov 20, 2009

From crappy and unintuitive to the best messenger...

davana reviewed v7.1.4.10 Beta 3 on Nov 19, 2009

Best IM app :D

embers reviewed v7.0.8.15 Beta 5 on Aug 23, 2009

Still can't collapse or remove the buddy icon/status bubble at the top that takes up a ridiculous amount of space.

Still no option to just disable all sounds; have to go through and disable each one individually.

Other than that, slick new interface which isn't half bad once you get it customized and remove most of the bloat.

FreeSpeech reviewed v7.0.7.19 Beta 4 on Aug 11, 2009

Best app to send text messages to cell phones!

pateltjp reviewed v7.0.5.30 Beta 2 on Jul 7, 2009

This beta is just fantastic. I liked the way facebook, twitter and youtube is integrated. This is going to be the best of all AIM versions..

Steve1209 reviewed v7.0.5.30 Beta 2 on Jul 6, 2009

OK this beta is much better, nice to see my away messages are back, that was a big NO NO in beta 1, took me awhile to find my away messages in beta 2 but they are there. The other annoying thing with AIM, every time there is an upgrade, I have to go find the new sounds (door open/door close etc.), why can't the sounds be kept in some common place & not change?

craigun reviewed v7.0.3.16 Beta 1 on May 17, 2009

This is a VERY early beta release and AIM 7 wont include support for AIM plug ins or animated super buddy support, but is lighter on sytem resources.

This will overwrite AIM 6.9 if you have that installed. New things are promised as new beta versions are released for AIM 7. Should get interesting!

Steve1209 reviewed v7.0.3.16 Beta 1 on May 16, 2009

This BETA SUCKS, stick with 6.9. All my canned AWAY messages were not usable/missing. The only thing with this release has is bigger ICON's, but none of my GIF's worked, they did not flash. Not a good release in my opinion!!!

Steve

gilpin152 reviewed v6.9.11.1 Beta 4b on Apr 20, 2009

Great improvement from previous 5 version. If you don't like ADs install Aim ad hack. www.aimadhack.net

elitegangsta reviewed v6.9.2.27 Beta 2 on Oct 21, 2008

If the only protocol you use is AOL's, this is a great app. Fresh, clean, all the features you need in a chat client. AOL is finally getting serious about this app.

treworld reviewed v6.9.2.27 Beta 2 on Oct 21, 2008

lol, you only have 3 friends...

Tao2005 reviewed v6.9.1.2 Beta on Aug 15, 2008

Tire of using Aim, MSN Messenger, ICQ, Jabber, and Yahoo. Just think of all that precious resource being eaten away.

Well Trillian is here. Take all them IM programs, and throw them in to one program. Yes, that's right. Trillian, the only program you need to run all of these programs at the same time.

How do they do it, with plug-ins. The only time you need all these on your pc, is when your first setting up, then it's bye-bye space hogs. Trillian go where no IM as gone before.

Sven123456789 reviewed v7.0 Beta 8 on Aug 8, 2008

Not bad. Allot cleaner interface than regular aim. I use aim ad Hack myself. But would use this if i was away from my home pc.

paulm84 reviewed v6.8.10.1 on Jun 25, 2008

great improvmeats with aim other the last 3 builds aol is finally taken thsi seriously

uploadiing icons could be easier but i'm sure it time it will get better

statm1 reviewed v6.8.10.1 on Jun 24, 2008

I STILL do not understand how the ONE ad keeps you from using the product? Can you IM yes. Can you voice, yes. Can you send files, yes. Can you do everything that AIM has been built to do with ONE ad, YES.. Jeez..

Tiberias77 reviewed v6.8.10.1 on Jun 24, 2008

After having some trouble with Trillian, I moved back to the AIM client and found much that I now liked. For those who dislike the ads or the icons, there is an EXTREMELY easy way to remove/change them. Icon files can all be replaced, as they are standard PNG files. Eliminating the ads involves changing a few lines in a text file, as explained here:

http://www.bigblueball.c...move-ads-aim-6-0-a.html

improvelence reviewed v6.8.10.1 on Jun 24, 2008

Most people have moved on from this and I feel the improvements that AOL have made are too little too late. I am communicating far less on AIM then Gmail Chat and Skype and I havent actually used an official client aside from testing for years. I see aim going where yahoo has gone. Its a shame they put out such a junk product for so long, maybe if this version would have replaced 5 then I may not have stopped using it. Frankly there is nothing special nor has their ever been anything special about aim aside from its large userbase. You can talk to AIM users from within Gmail now so really I see no need to waste the download. Skype is far better for voice or video and this thing is just bundled with way too much junk to make it appealing other than for its eye candy. if you are going to use this I would recommend aim ad hack because it makes it much more pleasant.

statm1 reviewed v6.8.8.4 on Jun 16, 2008

This is far from a dinosaur app. AIM has come along way from its 5.9 days. Triton was crap. But triton is no more. AIM is NOT BLOATED, NOT SLOW, NOT ANCIENT. And if the one ad stops you from iming people please tell everyone how. I would especially like to know.

Daddy_Spank reviewed v7.0 Beta 2 on Jun 12, 2008

Its not as bad as the desktop version of AIM...

echohead reviewed v6.8.6.12 Beta 4 on Jun 2, 2008

get on a different network, find an AIO messenger, or at the very least use AIM Lite.

but for the love of god, dont install this dinosaur app...

darkwzrd1 reviewed v6.8.5.17 Beta 3 on May 19, 2008

I thought everyone should know that TomA102210 smokes CRACK on a daily bases, so please disregard any comments that he makes. Thanks

Soozy reviewed v7.0 Beta on May 19, 2008

If you want totally bare bones version of AIM, this is it. Alot of the features of the previous version are gone!

tokyo654321 reviewed v6.8.5.17 Beta 3 on May 18, 2008

Seems stable and functional to me, my only complaint is the plugin icons at the bottom of the buddy list. They are very ugly and obnoxious. Completely useless feature. At least give me the option to remove it.

TomA102210 reviewed v6.8.5.17 Beta 3 on May 17, 2008

mfaccone said: May 17, 2008
Version: 6.8.5.17 Beta 3

"Was originally a piece of crap software...
Became a bigger piece of crap software...
And now its shoved down the throats of almost every new computer purchase in the world, and guess what... its still an even bigger piece of crap software.
Never EVER let yourself or your kids buy into this junk..."
-----------------------------------------------
No doubt mfaccone is a troll or anti AOL'er who feels burned from a previous experience brought on by him/her, who has not even looked at AOL's distant or even recent Instant Messenger. Not only that,he/she doesn't realize the software is not forced upon anyone, much less, him/her.

mfaccone reviewed v6.8.5.17 Beta 3 on May 17, 2008

Was originally a piece of crap software...
Became a bigger piece of crap software...
And now its shoved down the throats of almost every new computer purchase in the world, and guess what... its still an even bigger piece of crap software.
Never EVER let yourself or your kids buy into this junk...

Reverb reviewed v6.8.2.19 Beta 2 on Mar 30, 2008

This is the most popular instant messenger amongst teenagers. Period. My nieces/nephews & all their friends use it constantly on their PCs and their phones to communicate. They don't understand or care about adware/spyware or have a clue about AOL's***ory of deceptive business practices.

I always carry a copy of Aim 6.0 Ad Hack 5.54 on my USB drive to remove the garbage that comes bundled with this malware but the noobs inevitably update AIM and the garbage is back. At least I get lots of free beer and dinner from all my relatives & their friends whenever I have get called to fix their kids' computers.

AIM is definitely the instant messenger of choice amongst teenagers or those with teenage mentality.

JimW311 reviewed v6.8.2.19 Beta 2 on Mar 28, 2008

I have to say, I'm very impressed with the look. For once, they seem to have a user friendly simple product. But I haven't tried it, nor will I. I can't stand AOL as a company, they're a very bad company I just can't look myself in face knowing I contributed to them.

KRome reviewed v6.8.2.18 Beta 2 on Mar 17, 2008

I am an ex-pidgin user. I love pidgin, but it is not secure. I went back to AOL IM and you know what? Its very good. It looks great, has tons of features...

The only negative is the ADs which i removed with "Aim Ad Hack".

If they remove the ADs its a 5, until then it stays at 4.

Its much more robust and full of features than pidgin.

darkwzrd1 reviewed v6.8.1.5 Beta 1 on Jan 10, 2008

The problem with TomA102210 is that he is lacking self-confidence and self-worth. This is more likely due to being made fun of as a child. What normal person in society would sit on betanews.com 24/7 just 2 write reviews especially a person that has no idea what he is talking about? We can definitely conclude he still lives with his mother; I'm guessing he’s around 40-50 years old. He needs to get a life or maybe a girlfriend.

TomA102210 reviewed v6.8.1.5 Beta 1 on Jan 10, 2008

Reviewer: darkwzrd1 said:
Version: 6.8.1.5 Beta 1

The problem with TomA102210 is that he is lacking self-confidence and self-worth. This is more likely due to being made fun of as a child. What normal person in society would sit on betanews.com 24/7 just 2 write reviews especially a person that has no idea what he is talking about? We can definitely conclude he still lives with his mother; I'm guessing he’s around 40-50 years old. He needs to get a life or maybe a girlfriend.
-----------------------------------------------
Sounds to me like that's a projection of the image you have of yourself. What you can definitely conclude for certain is that what you think of me is none of my business; nothing more, nothing less.

tenebrusmke79 reviewed v6.8.1.5 Beta 1 on Jan 10, 2008

darthbeads, I just would like to state that the install failure may be only for you, in no way does that mean that AIM (or any other AOL product) is bad in and of itself.

That being said, AIM isn't a bad application, and you should realize immediately that you can choose what you want on your computer, it's called OPTIONAL INSTALL... try it once before you make a whiny complaint again.

statm1 reviewed v6.8.1.5 Beta 1 on Jan 10, 2008

If you want to call me a fanboy fine.. But what is the purpose of a instant messenger? To talk to people. Does AIM do that? Yes. Simple as that. No sense in trashing it because it doesnt let you talk to other people on another network. There are plenty of other messengers that do that and if thats what you want use one of those.

How is it bloated? Its using 11mb on my pc right now. Not bloated there. To many features? No its lacking compared to some messengers.

How can it be missing a feature and at the same time be bloated?

How is the ad IN YOUR FACE? Does the ad keep you from doing what AIM is for? No, the ad does not keep you from talking to people.

People has been bashing AIM for a very long time and yet it is still in the top three most used messengers, mass exodus my butt.

The install has never failed on install for me in years of usage. Its very easy to not install the the "unnecessary additional services" by paying attention and clicking custom and unchecking everything you dont want to install.

Now as I've not tried the newest beta Im going edit this comment afterwards.

darthbeads reviewed v6.5.9.1 on Jan 9, 2008

Garbage. Fails on install. Eventually ends up installing unnecessary additional services. Leaves too many traces behind after uninstall.

No thanks.

TomA102210 reviewed v6.5.9.1 on Jan 9, 2008

improvelence said:

Anyhow,
It's funny how he avoided having to defend himself by whining about my naughty words and hiding behind his supposedly being too "cultured and intelligent to sink down to the level of a commoner who would use the word crap". What a joke. Maybe we should censor everything and make AIM fanboys such as yourself happy...and we can all watch Lifetime together and sip on Starbucks whilst we beg everyone to believe how indie our musical tastes are. You sicken me.
---------------------------------------
I whined? You're too funny. I find it amazing that you project the "...watch Lifetime" and ..."sip Starbucks whilst..." image on me. Where the use of the word "crap" is overused, it is by individuals like you who cannot think of anything else to say, so we're to take that "crap" covers a multitude of meaningss, all of which are to cause us to have an immediate epiphany and know exactly what you are talking about. Know what? Most of us who don't hide behind words such as "crap" don't want to take what individuals like you say for granted. The program still rates a 4 but only because it's still beta.

TomA102210 reviewed v6.5.7.20 Beta on Dec 19, 2007

Reviewer: improvelence said:
Version: 6.5.7.20 Beta

Tom you can try to defend this PROPRIETARY piece of crap all you want but face it, its a closed network and people are sick of this crap.
------------------------------------------------
You haven't said one substantive thing in your so called review unless you refer to words such as "crap" as meaning anything. So what if it's proprietary. Many things in the on line world are. "...people are sick of this crap" you say. Yet many people continue to use the software you describe in this manner. I can only imagine what you'll say about that. Write a decent review without the use of words like "sick" and "crap" and you'll get more attention from an intelligent audience. This software still gets a 4 mostly because it is still being developed and also because it is a decent Instant Messenger and serves the purpose for which it is intended, that being messaging.

improvelence reviewed v6.5.7.20 Beta on Dec 19, 2007

Tom you can try to defend this PROPRIETARY piece of crap all you want but face it, its a closed network and people are sick of this crap. The application forces an ad in your face which as recently pointed out in tests against Google can be malicious. An advertisement reading basically "Click here to get a virus" was not only displayed by google for a while but clicked on by hundreds of people. The "bloat" that you question can easily be explained by benchmarking, the program is extrememly insecure and does not give you enough security measures such as blocking html code if wanted. Just because you want to live in the past and not branch out to cross compatibility doesnt mean you should defend a poorly written patched up pile of crap that changes its interface every week to try to appease its fledgling network in the face of the innevitable mass exodus that will soon occur on its servers. People are waking up. The only people still supporting AIM are the people who dont know any better. Case closed.

It sucks. Deal with it. Even yahoo messenger has more to offer than this pile of crap.

Jabber plug.

--UPDATE--

First off I would like to point out that I am not an AOL hater, but merely hate this software.

Anyhow,
It's funny how he avoided having to defend himself by whining about my naughty words and hiding behind his supposedly being too "cultured and intelligent to sink down to the level of a commoner who would use the word crap". What a joke. Maybe we should censor everything and make AIM fanboys such as yourself happy...and we can all watch Lifetime together and sip on Starbucks whilst we beg everyone to believe how indie our musical tastes are. You sicken me.

TomA102210 reviewed v6.5.7.18 Beta on Dec 11, 2007

Reviewer: Golden Falcon says:
Version: 6.5.7.14 Beta

Gets a 1 for having the most popular protocol in the US (MSN is worldwide)

But bloated software, crap software.

No thanks.
----------------------------------------------
Gets a 4 but only because it is still in beta. As for bloat or crap, please describe the conditions you mention. I doubt you can.

Golden Falcon reviewed v6.5.7.14 Beta on Nov 29, 2007

Gets a 1 for having the most popular protocol in the US (MSN is worldwide)

But bloated software, crap software.

No thanks.

horsecharles reviewed v6.5.7.13 Beta on Nov 16, 2007

EDIT: will wipe out IE History, points off for that.

AIM Update 6.5.7.13 fails & freezes XP systems... you'll need to ctr/alt/del restart-- But the first restart will not complete totally: ctrl/alt/del again & select logoff, second restart will work correctly; you vill then boot to Safe Mode w/ Network Support.
You vill then restart in Normal mode, BUT again-- another little glitch: AIM will fail to sign in, throwing either a Misconfigured Settings or Server Address error-- next to it click Auto Configure option, and you vill be gut to go. Vunderbar!

BTW Be careful to select Custom install-- as it wants to install toolbar & hijack homepage & Search.

AOL needs to get these updates working correctly-- the previous one failed on Vista-- triggering an endless alert & failed install cycle.
This update is working correctly on Vista this time.

Yeah, so why am i using this + rating it so high?

For the bundled voip with free local phone number & unlimited free incoming.

treworld reviewed v6.5.7.13 Beta on Nov 16, 2007

Wow! They've managed to design an earlier application than the newest version of AOL 9. The Triton version looks a lot better than this crap.

Golden Falcon reviewed v6.5.7.13 Beta on Nov 16, 2007

I would give it a 0, if they allowed me the option.

I agree for whoever said they need to allow Cross-Protocols with MSN/Yahoo.

Also AIM as a software is very bloated and piece of garbage.

As a protocol, its still the most used in the US, MSN is most used worldwide i think.

Anyway.. Piding forever!

shicaca reviewed v6.5.5.2 on Oct 31, 2007

You don't need ads anymore.

And I'm not using one of those fricking ad hacks for this stupid POS.

Pidgin all the way.

armpit reviewed v6.5.5.2 on Oct 29, 2007

Go get Miranda, lighter, multi protocol, tons of plugins available.

KRome reviewed v6.5.5.2 on Oct 26, 2007

Pidgin

Adrian79 reviewed v6.5.5.2 on Oct 26, 2007

this plus cubanaftermath's "aimadhack" is great!!

alister reviewed v6.5.5.2 on Oct 26, 2007

I can only give it a one. They need to make their client inter-op with other IM clients. MSN and Yahoo users can now chat with each other. I can install MSN Messenger (or Yahoo Messenger) and add buddies from MSN or Yahoo to my list and chat with them.

It is a pain to have to install several different clients in order to chat (IM) with your friends. I prefer to use Pidgin until the other clients get their acts together and make them inter-op with each other.

Nikkie reviewed v6.5.4.16 on Oct 3, 2007

You have to consider all of the plugins you need to throw in to get what this does with its own protocal.not everyone is looking for multi-protocal.
after a few plugins and some tweaking and a some changing through the settings, you have miranda doing basic things...now try to get a pc user that isn't really too good with pc's or anything passed ie/aol ...you have one confused person.

miranda isn't user friendly or for everyone.sure, it is a great program and it is light but it's missing a lot, from the start, for the average user.average user doesn't want to sit around and mess with prefrences too much.they just want to chat.call it lazy but it's their prefrence and you can't control that.

then there is trillian.what a big peice of bloat.yes aol is bloated but trillian is another program people need to get used to and mess with the prefrences. again, a lot of people come to aol to just sign into their ''aim'' name :).they really don't care for many protocals in one.

then we have pidgin.i use this one.this program used to be called gaim and o' boy did it crash more than i liked it to.i liked the multi-protocal feature but it was unstable and video chat has always been an issue..did they even bother to add the feature yet? i dont even know..

so, sure this is called ''aol'' which makes everyone run screaming for the hills cause we all know how kool it is to bash usa (naughty english and spanish) ..tisk tisk..but it does what it says .people are aware of the ads in the program etc.

if you want a cleaner version than you can go with aim lite or get aim pro

http://aimpro.premiumservices.aol.com/

crashoverride reviewed v6.5.4.15 Beta on Sep 30, 2007

How can a messenger that works on only one network require such a big download?

shicaca reviewed v6.5.4.15 Beta on Sep 29, 2007

Roughly 11.5MB and it only offers AIM? I'd expect that for a program that does something a bit more than IM'ing for one IM service.

Pidgin (formerly gAIM) does nearly 10 (or more) client protocols, and it's under 11MB itself. It's sad they think that adding more junk will get them noticed.

Heck Trillian can do quite a few protocols and IT is under 9MB. To heck with AOL IM!

Once AIM decides to take their crap ads off, I'll switch back to their client. I do NOT appreciate the little "movies" they have in their ads -- especially when they play music/sound. If I'm not at my computer and leave my speakers on and go to bed, that's something I hugely don't appreciate.

Like I said, get out of the ads business and be more intelligent about them, or I'll just use other clients.

Jammerdelray reviewed v6.5.3.12 Beta on Aug 24, 2007

Best just keeps getting better. Not bloated, uses low resources. Lots of features.

Those saying its bloated must be running a P4 800ghz comp with 128kb ram lol

Adrian79 reviewed v6.5.3.12 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

aimadhack version will nicely complement this great im client! :-)

-------

in reply to below, they dont have that anymore, because they have better ways of still doing what u just mentioned :-)

give it a try!

robford371 reviewed v6.5.3.12 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

The only thing keeping me from upgrading to version 6 is the lack of Direct IM. That's the one reason I've stuck with AIM for all these years. The ability to cut and paste pictures, drag files, etc right into the conversation is great. Until they bring it back I'll stick with 5.

xyzcb1 reviewed v6.5.3.12 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

The new AIM is great. Just d/l AIM hack and remove rest of the trash.

Btw, can someone tell me how to disable the popup when there is a newer version available?

statm1 reviewed v6.5.3.12 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

I dont know where people getting that its bloated. 100% of the time I have all three messengers running (aim, yahoo, wlm) and none of them slow my computer down. Now granted there were problems and slowness with AOL's Triton Aim but once they released 6.1 everything changed it actually alot better than anything theyve done so far. And its only getting better with 6.2 and now 6.5.. So, im sure its just the usual BLOAT Mongers that go around calling everything bloated if it has any sort of features.

christopherktom reviewed v6.2.32.1 Beta on Jul 25, 2007

Incredible, this is the WORSE piece of crap I've seen. It's VERY resource intensive, invades your PC with AOL's spy ware, and is less functional than any other IM. Stay away from AOL at all costs!

rseiler reviewed v6.2.32.1 Beta on Jul 24, 2007

Yes, it could be a lot more bloated, or bloated at all. Both resident components typically take all of about 10MB combined, which makes it among the smallest of all clients. I can't even tell it's running without visual confirmation. Are you running on a 486 or something?

hell0 reviewed v6.2.14.2 Beta on Jul 16, 2007

Wow, just wow. Can this thing be even MORE bloated? I'm guessing yes. Slowed my computer to a crawl.

PaceyPimps reviewed v6.2.14.2 Beta on May 30, 2007

This version sucks it does not come with XM radio and comes with ads Pro version is better.

Adrian79 reviewed v6.2.14.2 Beta on May 26, 2007

cuban aftermath add on

NULLedge reviewed v6.2.14.2 Beta on May 25, 2007

Needs more advertisements. i'm not sure i've had enough random ads talking to me that i cant mute or obnoxious banners stuffed in my buddy list. they could easily put some banner ads in the IM windows.

AOL, if you're going to advertise, you could at least look into doing it through something that wasn't completely obnoxious! It's not like there aren't better IM clients for your protocol

spamspanker123 reviewed v6.2.14.2 Beta on May 25, 2007

tenebrusmke79 - "I gave this version a five BEFORE even using this version to offset the negative reviews (which really aren't that relevant either)."

Isn't it less relevant to give the software a rating before you use it just to offset everyone else's vote?

I gave this version a one BEFORE even using this version to offset the positive reviews.

thirty5tech reviewed v6.1.41.2 on May 17, 2007

Well this software is pretty cool, but only if you are talking to friends that uses AOL or AIM, you wont be able to chat with friends that uses other instant messenger client, I have been using aol since 4.0 and it has work pretty good, Never had any complaint about it, The only thing i hate about aim is that display ads , but overall it is a good instant messenger software, there is no spyware or adware install during the installation, and if you consider viewpoint to be adware/spyware, then really you should not be commenting about the software if you dont do your homework first, Viewpoint is uses to view videos and audio on some AOL pages,

DJInsomniac reviewed v6.1.41.2 on May 3, 2007

I like it. I still use it, despite what anyone else says.

Doesn't slow my computer down either.

tenebrusmke79 reviewed v6.1.41.2 on May 3, 2007

"If you have not made the jump to the jabber protocol yet, you need to. Proprietary IM is dead. Give it up. Google has seen the light, why cant these other companies"

The quoted post isn't really relevant to the subject matter.

That being said, ignore the person who suggests that proprietary IM services are dead (which isn't the case as Yahoo, and MSN and Google have shown).

If one wants to use AIM on its own, go ahead, you have that right. If one doesn't, go ahead, you also have that right. Make your own mind up, don't let others make it up for you.

I gave this version a five BEFORE even using this version to offset the negative reviews (which really aren't that relevant either).

improvelence reviewed v6.1.31.1 Beta on Mar 22, 2007

If you have not made the jump to the jabber protocol yet, you need to. Proprietary IM is dead. Give it up. Google has seen the light, why cant these other companies.

eviljolly reviewed v6.1.16.1 Beta on Feb 21, 2007

Does anyone find "AOL AIM" Redundant? AOL AOL Instant Messenger.

JaDaDowntown reviewed v6.1.16.1 Beta on Feb 20, 2007

I prefer Spy & Adware Free Software!

TomA102210 reviewed v6.1.16.1 Beta on Feb 20, 2007

"Also, why does it have to run 2 seperate processes (aolsoftware.exe & aim.exe)."
------------------------------------------------
Because it is an AOL product with AIM being a integral part of AOL.

burtonone55 reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Dec 14, 2006

this is awsome except i hope they put an inisible tab on it like on triton because want to be invisible sometimes! or is there one on there and i cant find it?

CyberDoc999 reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 19, 2006

This is way cool
Imagine your own FREE personal answering service
With your own FREE local phone number
People can call you and talk to you and the only thing you need is your PC!

billweh reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 17, 2006

My only complaint and it's a really stupid one, is that the smiley "showers" don't appear anymore. In the beta, when you sent a smiley, it rained that smiley down on the window. In the final release, even though the option is there in the configuration settings, it doesn't work.

Weird. Other than that it works pretty well. One thing I'd like to see is a list of buddies from the tray icon. This way I could send an IM without having to open the main window first.

burles07 reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 16, 2006

this version is great. the only problem i have with it is that the tooltips stick and that gets very annoying when you are trying to do other things.

hopefully the next beta testing phase we will see some more exicting new features and UI changes. i am looking forward to color themes the most! =)

InSuboRdiNaTioN reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 16, 2006

Took nearly a decade, but AOL FINALLY has a strong IM client. Feature rich, relatively light on resources, and OFFLINE MESSAGING! I will be making the switch from Trillian (for now).

Minus 1 because it looks like it no longer has POP3 support, and no such plug-in exists at the moment. Also, why does it have to run 2 seperate processes (aolsoftware.exe & aim.exe).

digitalking reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 16, 2006

Where can I download a full version? I am behind a proxy, and the download files, then install, setup program does not work, even though the AIM program itself offers proxy configuration.

jtopping reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 15, 2006

great im product...inching closer and closer to perfection!

whats new in this build?

DrDash reviewed v6.0.28.1 on Nov 15, 2006

SO MUCH BETTER then AIM Triton. AIM 6.0 finally is a move in the right direction! Smaller and does not install a bunch o crap. Is this the beginning?

joie reviewed v6.0.23.1 Beta 2 on Nov 12, 2006

I like this version of aim Triton a lot, but there are a few things I would change.

Every time I sign on, my screen name format changes back to "Myscreenname" when I really would like it to be "my screen name". (not my real screenname lol) It's really annoying that I have to change it back everytime I log on.

At first, they had the picture and video windows to open in the same window with a small chat on the bottom. I actually liked that. Now that it is seperate, it is slightly harder to keep up with both windows. It also brings more clutter into my screen.

The overall look is much better though. I like the things that they added (it was like they were reading my mind) the away message thing is much better, along with just about everything else.

k3of4 reviewed v6.0.23.1 Beta 2 on Nov 1, 2006

I tried AIM again based on reviews. I was reminded why I hated it so in the first place. Gawdy nastiness, imho. Trillian is getting gray hairs but still kicks AIM's hindparts.

horsecharles reviewed v6.0.23.1 Beta 2 on Oct 31, 2006

I'll give it a 5 just for the voip component: http://www.aimphoneline.com/ free voip local number....

Neoprimal reviewed v6.0 Beta 2 on Oct 20, 2006

AIM finally took a turn for the better. I've never had a problem with the ad/spy-ware people claimed was in AIM, I mean, good grief, what's a little ad at the top of your IM client?...nor with the 'bloat' since the installer has almost always asked users what they wanted to be installed (except for the one time they decided to force aol explorer on to people's PCs). But this is a pretty light application with the robust features of classic aim. And with the addition and support of modules, I'm guessing it's going to only get better. GJ AOL.

dono1216 reviewed v6.0 Beta 2 on Oct 20, 2006

pretty good so far. q: is there an ad-hack for this one too ?

burles07 reviewed v6.0 Beta 2 on Oct 20, 2006

this has been refreshed to version 6.0.23.1. as of 10/27/06. it has alot of bug fixes and some more UI changes. great job aim beta team i love this version the most thus far. keep it up! =)

Onsoku reviewed v6.0 Beta 2 on Oct 20, 2006

I am a big fan of AOL AimPro [1.2.1 Build 255]. It has allowed me to remote desktop to the UAE, which is notorious for blocking everything, including Skype. I imagine this version follows the same concept of being spyware free...

Browser12 reviewed v6.0.4.5 Beta on Oct 18, 2006

Not bad. Aol finally stopped loading all that bs with its im software. Does what its supposed to do. I like the type user interface. Don't know about the previous complaint about the look. I only tried triton once over a year ago and I didn't like it and went back to my old version of aim. I think i will keep this version.

Adrian79 reviewed v6.0.4.5 Beta on Oct 2, 2006

to the idiot below... this is not TRITON...triton sucked and i hated it installed it once and it was crap...

this my friend, is wayyy better I been using trilian for 3 years now.. but goodbye!!

AIM6.0 is making me happy! runs smooth NO EXTRA crap installed, NO AIM TOOLBAR no AOL BROWSER! yess!!!

thanks AOL for finally realizing what was bad

wow i'm shocked AOL could convert me back

nice 1 guys!

mauricer1 reviewed v6.0.4.5 Beta on Oct 2, 2006

This version AIM 6 is a steop backwords. what the hell. triton was going good, now it not only looks like crap, but is starting to work more like crap. this is the worst version of aim triton yet. D-

burles07 reviewed v6.0.4.5 Beta on Sep 30, 2006

i love this new version and the new name "aim 6.0" is alot better. the only problem that bothers me with it is the screename formating issue but that should be fixed in an upcoming beta build =)

yanike reviewed v6.0.4.5 Beta on Sep 30, 2006

I looks pretty good. Runs smoothly :) Why can't they add window docking back into the program :(

castiglione reviewed v6.0.4.5 Beta on Sep 29, 2006

Recommend all the other programs you want, but AIM 6.0 is going to blow all of them out of the water. I will continue to use AIM 6.0 (and all subsequent versions) for a very long time, no one will force me to use another program unless I want to use it.. and I want to use AIM, so there you go..

mauricer1 reviewed v1.3.30.1 Beta on Sep 1, 2006

i have not tried the newest beta version, but the person below... i think the new aim triton is great. there is just a few things to improve upon.

i like it much better than the old aim.

DrDash reviewed v1.3.24.1 Beta on Aug 23, 2006

This newest build is MUCH fater! Big improvments have been made, and like another person mentioned about the previous build (I skipped it) the interface seems... cleaner.

terminalx reviewed v1.3.16.1 Beta on Aug 16, 2006

I like this build a lot...the interface has been tweaked a bit and looks cleaner...performance has improved...aolsoftware.exe is still running though when aim is closed which is still an annoyance but I wouldnt notice it as it doesnt hinder sys performance...sign on is a lot faster now as well...wish you could choose whether you want the radio dials and the other junk at the bottom but oh well still its a step in the right direction

Theoldwino reviewed v5.9.6089 Beta on Aug 10, 2006

Humm...Let's see now , we have aol and adware all in the same package wow this must be a good messenger.

mtech reviewed v1.3.16.1 Beta on Aug 10, 2006

This beta is a great improvement. Great Job!

It runs very fast and smooth as the performance has improved a whole lot. I also like the "full" background color option. Sometimes the RAM usage does climb above 25,000K but that really depends on what I am doing with the program. Having a couple tabs open will raise it a bit but then it goes down again, also uses the radio feature....

Another plus, the aolsoftware.exe now closes when you are done with the software rather than stay running.

And for those who say it runs slow, that is because your pc may not meet the full requirements of the software. The performance of the software, told my an AOL Techy, soly depends on your Buddy List size and how many IM windows. (seperate - you have open)

shawnac reviewed v1.3.16.1 Beta on Aug 9, 2006

I am using 1.2.8.31 and I love it, I have the triton phone also, one thing I discovered after getting it for 9.95 is under their areas of FAQ you will find (only can see this area after buying) is if you DO NOT have UNLIMITED Dialup AOL you will end up paying for out going and incoming calls. I called AOL and told them this was a form of false advertising and they did not know that this was listed. So they gave me free unlimited dial up so there would not be a problem. MY Triton does not eat up resources, it runs smoothly, the calls from it are louder and clearer then most phone lines. I say go for it.

Theoldwino reviewed v1.3.16.1 Beta on Aug 2, 2006

Bloat adware aol nuff sayed.

CyberDog reviewed v5.9.6082 Beta on Aug 1, 2006

Strange that this is not available on the AIM website as far as I can see...

Tsais reviewed v1.2.80.1 Beta on Jul 31, 2006

This software belongs in the Guiness Book of Records for Software insolence...

On every windows start, it opens my web browser, unasked. It foils the functioning of Firefox's Tab control extension, which normally allows me to automatically reopen all tabs I had open last time I closed down the browser.

Now, I get an idiotic AOL celebrity nonsense page and my saved tabs are gone.

Inspite of spending quite a bit of time trying to find out how to stop this unacceptable behaviour, I came up empty so far.

Built in adverts are bad enough, but this ranks right up there with malicious adware, screwing up the normal operation of your computer.

Memory usage is very high, you'd think they wrote the whole software in Macromedia Director, but its still beta, so maybe that will improve.

Tokar reviewed v5.9.6082 Beta on Jul 30, 2006

Just to inform all of you:

The AIM Ad Hack person hasn't released AAH 4.15, but that doesn't mean 4.14 doesn't work with this release.

I installed AIM Ad Hack 4.14 after installed 5.9.6082 (and chose NOT TO DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL 5.9.3861) and it works great.

Good luck!

jon8rfc reviewed v5.9.6082 Beta on Jul 30, 2006

I'm very glad to see an update to the classic series. I bet there's a security update or two which isn't mentioned, as they never are--I suspect because they don't want to admit to security issues?

As always, you can remove the ads from the buddy list at my site, google #1:
http://jon8rfc.homeip.net/aim/adremoval

mikeyx11 reviewed v5.9.6082 Beta on Jul 29, 2006

LMAO @ Paul Skinner. So, so true :P

Daddy_Spank reviewed v5.9.6082 Beta on Jul 27, 2006

Was never crazy about AIM and this version is nothing special in my opinion.

Paul Skinner reviewed v5.9.6082 Beta on Jul 27, 2006

And here we see the demographic AOL make products for (hellrazor238).

barque reviewed v1.2.80.1 Beta on Jul 8, 2006

Triton is still a bloated, buggy and cumbersome piece of crap. I've tried AIM Pro, and I'm convinced that AOL would do well to go with that version -- it's got the same interface with most of the same features, but with NO ADS and it runs in a FRACTION of the memory.

Triton has a NASTY habit of sucking up all available resources on the machine. Every time I've tried to run it -- and I have tried many times -- I find myself cursing whatever idiot in AOL designed this piece of crap. I'm sure it runs fine on a developer-class machine, but WAKE UP AOL: most of us don't have screaming fast machines with tons of RAM. Save yourself some pain: don't use this client.

As bad as this miserable piece of bloatware is, it pales in comparison to the other "feature" that Triton brings... when you install Triton, you get a ton of useless software, including a new browser! Come on, AOL.... what were you thinking? It's 2006! do you REALLY think that the world needs another browser? Whatever idiot came up with this idea ought to be fired, and quickly.

As I've said in other reviews, I've decided to use AIM Pro instead. Do yourselves a favor, uninstall Triton, and don't let your machine be flooded with the bloated crap that Triton offers. Grab any other IM client instead. You won't regret it in the least.

Velocition reviewed v1.2.80.1 Beta on Jul 5, 2006

License: Adware

This is not acceptable.

Gar811 reviewed v5.2 on Jul 1, 2006

Thanks

niknet reviewed v1.2.71.1 Beta on Jun 15, 2006

Few Days Ago AOL Release New Version AIM Triton With Free Incoming US Phone Number All Will Be Great But One No The Free Incoming Calls Activated If You Purchase 9.95 In Month Calling Time Only! If Not You Must Receive Voice Mail Only!I Known Lot Of Providers Where Incoming Calls Really And Allways Free Withhout Limits With Free Landline Number Incl.Why The Pay And Use This One? Not

ye110mann reviewed v1.2.71.1 Beta on May 26, 2006

Superbloat. Even with AIM Ad Hack. It's getting exponentially bloated. I remember back when AIM fit on a floppy disk. Pretty soon you'll need to order it on DVD.
Instant messaging software should not require more system resources than my internet browser!
Go GAIM.

terminalx reviewed v1.2.71.1 Beta on May 25, 2006

this version appears to be very stable and is very straightforward in all the crap its going to install and even lets you decide not to install it...not giving it a 5 because it still has aolsoftware.exe running when you close the program

tscar12 reviewed v1.2.70.1 Beta on May 21, 2006

Aol is like the wart on my butt no matter whats done the damn thing doesn't go away

eclipsingdivinity reviewed v1.2.70.1 Beta on May 20, 2006

It's not really an 'instant messenger' it's a communication tool. That's what AIM is going for, and I guess it helps ease the RAM accusations. I like the new AIM, but I wont use it simply because the ads are annoying and AIM really doesn't make programs or services that fit me as a person. AIM is too teenagerish. Windows Live Messenger is much better in my opinion.

xyzcb1 reviewed v1.2.70.1 Beta on May 20, 2006

i like this aim version. i think it's great until it start to display video ad that is annoying. can someone recommend a program to remove the ad?

brucejets2000 reviewed v1.2.70.1 Beta on May 20, 2006

I really enjoy using Triton with its tabbed IMs and snazzy graphics. I guess I am too new to IMing that I don't understand why you guys don't like it. Why do you think its bloated? They keep releasing new versions that must be getting smaller. Mine uses about 40 MB RAM in a conversation.

Is there a website out there that compares these IM programs so I could see an objective review?

ModderXManiac reviewed v1.2.70.1 Beta on May 19, 2006

File Size: 398 KB

lmao, yeah right, it's a downloader app.

Bloated product with useless feats, crap protocol.

GAIM, Miranda IM, MiniAIM...Any questions?

As for requiring 128 megs of ram for an INSTANT MESSENGER?! That's just rediculous.

iced reviewed v1.2.70.1 Beta on May 19, 2006

THIS SUX IT WONT RUN UNLESS IT HAS 128MB OF RAM LOL

TomA102210 reviewed v1.2.66.1 Beta on May 18, 2006

To sanawar:

I hope with all those things you indicated here that you wrote those things up on the AOL beta boards. They'd look good in a bug report and I'm sure the Triton folks would take interest in what you wrote. Along with a toll free tech support number and a "send us your feedback" form, you have some nice feedback options.

emupaul reviewed v1.2.66.1 Beta on May 17, 2006

This software is bloated and doesnt behave like it should process-wise. Not Recomended.

Diam0nd reviewed v1.2.66.1 Beta on May 17, 2006

OMFG. This is the worst crap ever. It's no wonder AOL is struggling...

sanawar reviewed v1.2.66.1 Beta on May 17, 2006

I don't know when they are going to learn from their mistakes. Here are some HUGE HUGE deficiencies that even a novice will recognize:

1. There are two "exit" options on the right click menu....they should learn some simplicity and user friendliness from Google.
2. There is still a process called "aolsoftware.exe" running even though you have completely exited the Triton. When I say exit, it should close all processes and exit.....now how simple is that?
3. Very Poor Voice quality (incoming) when somebody calls you using the AIM Phoneline.
4. Incompatibility with Zonealarm 6.1. They did not even test and made software compatible with the #1 firewall in the world.
5. Finding the version # of the Triton client is a hassle. Almost all the software applications make it easy to find out the version # but they happened to change the menu buttons in a way that it is difficult to find that. In other words, not easily or prominently placed in the "Help" menu as it is for most software applications out there. Making it different does not work sometimes, does it
6. No way to forward the voicemail to another email address. They want you to stick with AOL mail and its own websites which of course are Ad ridden....will that work...I don't think so. AOL, take some cues from Gmail....

There are certainly some new features like IM Catcher, Mail and now AIM Phoneline but these are meaningless if the users cannot use them or if you don't provide them enough flexibility. There are just so many flawes in their client and their lack of flexibility and nimbleness in the their behavior, that it is unlikely Triton will achieve any considerable success.

riku5464 reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 11, 2006

The ads make it the worst IM.

mg0314a reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 8, 2006

It is almost incomprehensible how bad this product is. Buggy, slow, bloated, and bad on the basics. Earlier versions are better. Just a bad, bad, bad upgrade. Who is running the ship over there???

flyingmetalspatula reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 5, 2006

Bloat.
Adware.
Overall, a failure of a product.

I'd rather use a third party software app or aim version 5.9 before i touch this piece of trash.

TomA102210 reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 5, 2006

this release is just like all the others for me. i put in my information to connect and it just sits there for ever doing nothing but sayinf "initializing" which is lame Triton is a flop in my eyes.
-------------------------------------------------
Works just fine for me, and according to the message board for Triton it works fine for many individuals. Might want to leave a message on the boards and see if someone from the beta staff can help you get it up and running.

snakes200 reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 5, 2006

this release is just like all the others for me. i put in my information to connect and it just sits there for ever doing nothing but sayinf "initializing" which is lame Triton is a flop in my eyes.

jakecrandall reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 5, 2006

This release is WAY better than the first Triton release. This one actually works like an IM client should. Seems like logging is gone, though. The new away message viewer rocks

bangbang023 reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 4, 2006

To VictorAnderson:
There is one banner ad. Yahoo now has a banner ad on their contact list and MSN/WLM has one on their contact list and a text ad on their IM window. Give me a break.

To adamlewis723:
The feature is still there.

It's coming together nicely. They've finally made the AOL toolbar and AOL explorer optional so you don't have to install them just to uninstall them.

VictorAnderson reviewed v1.2.56.1 Beta on May 4, 2006

Interesting.
Its a tiny application inside a bunch of banner ads.

adamlewis723 reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on May 3, 2006

They took away the feature to see how long someone has been idle

hellrazor238 reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on May 2, 2006

1 of da best instant messengers i heard some rumors dont if they trur or not but u can get AIM-releted viruses i pesonally havenet had a problem AIM is excellet program

yanike reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 10, 2006

Very nice upgrade!

terminalx reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

I like this version of aim it is cleaner and nicer to look at also it has improved since its inception the resources are running less and you can uninstall the browser if you dont want it and plaxo can be removed using aim hack I wish I could get rid of the aim talk and radio functions...this new version I also noticed is it alerts you whenever mail msgs arrive...not sure if previous ones did this or not...it still needs work and it would be nice if you could specify where it gets installed and what components you installed

Applied reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

I felt like Aim Triton needed a real review on here. Not only for this version, but the whole software as a whole.

I've always hated AOL, with their over-simplifying ways. But, I do have to say, that Aim Triton, as well as AOL Explorer are not bad at all. In fact they're quite good. Triton adds logging (although gone for this ver.), ads removed from the buddy list window, and many options to the list itself. I used to use Deadaim (www.jdennis.net), to remove ads and for logging, but I really don't miss it at all. The only ads on the IM window don't bother me at all.
Another feature I like quite a bit, is that after you close an IM, if it's reopened in the same session, it'll show your previous chat conversation in the same window. Being able to hide buddies that are idle/away and not showing the offline buddies list is also quite nice. Although I don't use the search on the list window, it may be handy for some with lots of contacts.

Other new features include, being able to quickly edit or make an away message with 2 clicks, invisible mode, and sort buddies by.

Seriously, I welcome the new interface, I'm a CS major, and don't care much about the looks of an app, but eye candy always helps. For those complaining about bloat, sure there's things that I wish they weren't in here, like plaxo, or the radio, but even with all this "bloat", I LOVE that I can remove just about everything from the IM window and have it small and slim, no send bar, no formats bar, no tabs. Beautiful.

Joe Dirt reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

Junk.

All versions of AIM have been horrible past version 4.8.

They have crappy video ads that sometimes pop up larger and then when the ad is done it goes back to normal size.

AIM Triton is horrible and should just be taken off the market.

If I could give this a negative 10 points I would do so.

JUNK!

bsf reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

it's fairly okay...
I mean I find it a bit lighter than the MSN Live one, which takes up considerable amount of memory on my computer.
But still, I'm impressed that aburton261 ran this thing on a 1.4mhz computer... just amazing.

TomA102210 reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

Reviewer: improvelence Apr 8, 2006
Version: 1.2.37.2 Beta

I dont care what company wrote this program...it's complete garbage and I HAVE extensively tested it.
-----------------------------------------------
And you call what you wrote a review. Are you sure that you extensively tested it? Last I knew saying that something was "complete garbage" is not a complete review, nor does it even remotely resemble a review.

improvelence reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

I dont care what company wrote this program...it's complete garbage and I HAVE extensively tested it.

aburton261 reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 8, 2006

Mtech is right. You people bash aol all the time without even trying out the software for awhile, it does have it's issues but what BETA software doesn't? im running a 1.4Ghz computer with 512 ram and resources levels are good. If you haven't tested the software and tryed a few builds, i dont think aol bashing is the right solution. it isn't going to make the software any better.

mtech reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 7, 2006

Thats the thing... you people download the software.... but "quickly uninstall it" you never even allow yourself to get used to the new software. Triton is a little bad with resources but so what... it will be ironed out very soon... You people here just see "AOL" and nothing else, and assume that if it has the letters "AOL" its a piece of sh** well AIM Triton is by far the best I have tested. Trillian went down the tubes with No updates.... and I don't know who makes GAIM or Miranda... and I really don't care. I like AOL. Keep up the good work.

Adrian79 reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 7, 2006

the funny thing...even my friends that dont know crap about computers...when they update to this version of AIM ..they quickly ask me the infamous "where can i find the old AIM that i had before?" question.

LMFAO @ AOL for ruining something that already sucked!!

xpose reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 7, 2006

Waste of time. Either use the old aim, or get trillian or gaim. Anyone who says otherwise is pretty clueless.

treworld reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 7, 2006

Once again. Worst product ever (from AOL).

flyingmetalspatula reviewed v1.2.37.2 Beta on Apr 7, 2006

Possibly the worst IM on the market, even in comparison to older versions.

I downloaded Triton, then quickly uninstalled it, the AOL browser, the Plaxo garbage and 2 other pieces of usless software bogging down my system.

AIM 5.9 was functional, and I reverted back to that.

The design and marketing guys for Triton deserve to be fired.

TomA102210 reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 31, 2006

"Worst product from AOL to date."
-----------------------------------------------
And you say this because? Anything substantive to offer as to why?

mtech reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 31, 2006

This is odd... why would they release a "Final" version of AIM. I got this version off AIM.com about 3 weeks ago... This isn't a "beta" version.... so if they are gonna post final versions why did they call this site "Betanews"

Now, As for my review. 1.0.4 is great. I have no problems with RAM usage at all. It only uses about 15-16,000K + 6,000K for AOLSoftware.exe and the reason it uses less is because I have turned off the Buddy Icons in the buddy list, turned off the conversation loggin, and only have notifications for buddy sign on/off.

I also got an e-mail the other day from the betateam at AOL.com and they said they were releasing a new beta very soon, and a whole bucnh of enhancements, and bug fixes. They also mentioned they have "Disabled" the conversation logging in the build, as I guess that was causing the high ram usage. They did mention though it will added back into later builds, but much much better.

treworld reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 31, 2006

Worst product from AOL to date.

mrow reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 30, 2006

Typical AOL BLOATWARE. Like someone mentioned earlier, why is there like 2 or 3 processes running for a freaking IM client? Are they serious? Why does AOL force us to use crack software so it doesn't install all the other junk software they make? I mean honestly, do they NEVER talk to actual users to see how they want software to work? When will they get it? I like the new GUI but I'm sticking to v5.2 with DeadAIM. It's got tabs and logging without taking 40 megabytes of RAM and needing multiple processes running.

digitalking reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 30, 2006

Fix for VALIDATING error:
http://s3.invisionfree.c...e_Aftermath/ar/t443.htm

lilmegz reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 30, 2006

Still sucks, still cant sign in (cannot get past VALIDATING process)

Mike162005 reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 30, 2006

It says on AIM.com:

Version: AIM Triton 1.0.4.1 (last updated 03/29/06)

Version 1.2.10.3 is still the latest beta version. Someone made a mistake.

Broken Haiku reviewed v1.0.4 on Mar 30, 2006

Something's not right here. The previous beta was 1.2.10.3, and now 1.0.4? When installed, it still comes up as 1.2 as well.

Broken Haiku reviewed v1.2.10.3 Beta on Mar 3, 2006

For a messenger today it's not bad, the tabs are easy to use and very fast, file transfers have become better too and is a big step up from the old AIM messenger with the cruddy file transfers.

However, it _needs_ to be used with the ad-patch to not install all the added crap, and the fact that it has a separate running process taking +11 MB of RAM even when the client isn't running, is just ridiculous.

mtech reviewed v1.2.10.3 Beta on Feb 16, 2006

Worried about Ad-ware? In AIM 5.9, I have found a way to block those pesky "Typed" ads in the bottom left hand corner of the IM window. In fact, it works in Triton, and eliminates all the ads on AOL.com! What you need is Norton Internet Security 2005 and Either an Adult or Supervisor account (so you can modify settings). When you see one of those ads on AOL.com, just get the beginning of the url (ex: http://http:adaol.com) nothing after the first part.... Open NIS 2005, then click Norton AntiSpam > Ad Blocking, then on the right hand side there is a configure button, click that and it brings up this window with a list of blocked Ads. Just click the "Add" button, insert the URL, (its automatically set to "Block") then click "Add" Close NIS 2005, Refresh your web browser, Close/Exit AIM, and Restart AIM. No more Ads!

Eenapep reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Feb 3, 2006

~POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO FIXING THE "VALIDATION" SCREEN HANG~

You probably have Nero 7 installed, AND you might have the version 7.0.1.2 upgrade. Go to: ftp://ftp1.usw.nero.com/software/nero7/Nero-7.0.1.4b_eng_no_yt.exe (Or Nero's site for the upgrade for version 7.0.1.4) Wait for hours till it downloads and installs. Restart your computer or whatnot, and then try AIM Triton.
Please email me at pepanee@hotmail.com and tell me if this solution worked, since it worked for me. But PLEASE email me; I just want to see if this helped people. Thanks!

hurt reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 31, 2006

triton needs a format screen name option like previous aim versions offered =(

jsc315 reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 31, 2006

It's a nice idea, but it's mostly bloatware. If it was just a IM service with out all the junk you get with it, then it may be better but its not worth all the junk you get with this software.

iamtux reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 31, 2006

I give any upgrade to AIM a 5. I have personally tested a few betas of AIM Triton before it was officially released. I was impressed with the UI, but it was buggy and slow. Now its more improved, and people would know that if they actually used it. Though I think Winamp and AIM are really the only things that AOL have going for them anymore, at least they have tried to reinvent their image. Though, I don't use it as my primary browser, I have used the AOL browser and I have to say its got some cool features, but it was a little too slow for me.
All in all, this version of AIM gets a 5 from me...a long time AIM user.

mtech reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 31, 2006

I give it a 5.

Only because all you other people who constantly bash AOL, probably haven't even tried the software. You just see the word "AOL" and immediately think its a horrible piece of software. Its not. I use 1.0.4 from AIM.com and its great.... Its a little high on the RAM but I got word that 1.2.5.1 (beta.aol.com) has actually brought it down. And after 1.2.5.1 is suppose to be a "BIG" performance beta that will improve ram like no tomorrow.

You people that constantly bash AOL make me sick.... you can have your Trillian, GAIM, and Miranda.... Cause I am behind AOL all the way. Good Job AOL.

ModderXManiac reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 31, 2006

A vat of larva-infested skunk vomit would make a better IM client.

Gaim 2.0 final will have every future this client offers, and more, without all the bloat. Once again, AIM Ad Hack doesn't save you from the overall suckiness of this AOL crap product.
Better clients.
http://gaim.sourceforge.net
http://miranda-im.org
http://miniaim.net

For you Star Wars fans, AOL is the dark side! :-D

amroliwala reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 30, 2006

I haven't been able to logon either! Ever since version 1.0.2.

frankps reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 30, 2006

I have tested 2-3 versions of AIM Triton, and I have till now not been able to log in.

frankps

yusufjee reviewed v1.2.5.1 Beta on Jan 30, 2006

It still is and always will be the worst IM client, i had hoped so much from triton but all they did was make a bloatware indeed. Trillian or GAIM anyday.

hines reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 21, 2006

krazies - if you want to erase your consversations, in the im box just select edit, clear im history.

Triton is awesome, and although it takes awhile to get used to it, it us well worth it. only complaint is that signing in was a little slower than it was in 5.9

yanike reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 19, 2006

Whenever I get a chance to sign on! Maybe I can give a better rating. AOL should've waited until they fixed all the bugs before releasing. The AOL Explorer Web Browser is the best, but can't say the same for the AIM.

Raquelisbetterthanyou reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 16, 2006

This AIM is aesthetically stunning, that is undeniable. However, it is the most CONFUSING thing I have ever used in my life! On all the old versions of AIM, you could keep your old away messages and what not, but on this one, you have to create all new ones. That may seem very trivial to some people, but it is very important to me. Also, I don't like having all my IMs in one box; you can only read one at a time. Another thing is the fonts! What happened to the days when you could use whatever font you wanted? Now they limit you to a selection of about 5. It's ridiculous. This was meant to be an AIM upgrade, not a completely new system I have to learn to use all over again.

s01emnCurs3 reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 15, 2006

aim triton seems to be the best yet... u ppl jus haven't found out how to use it... plus... it has an auto direct connection... and any of u.. just press F7.... u'll find everythin there... and the smileys are wayyy better..

suspect rot reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 14, 2006

Aside from the new, clean look AIM Triton has, it's a terrible upgrade. You can no longer even direct connect with a buddy, and no longer have the option to make your own icon - either use the retarded Official AOL icons, or nothing. The smilies also look ridiculous. Everything is too difficult to find, AIM 5.9 was much more convinient and easy to use. This version sucks.

krazies reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 13, 2006

Okay first off i'd like to say i think the appearance is great, but i especially don't like the way they don't have the direct connect options anymore. i like the new file system, it comes in handy. the way AFK is installed into the buddylist is cool, im still getting used to the fact that a AFK Box doesn't pop up after going away. i like the fact that you can im someones mobile phone as many times as you want for free. thats a neat feature. as for the Logs on the instant messages themselves, the im stays open and u can usually read what you said earlier that day or the day before when you open a im. i wish there were more logging options to clear all the ims at once or maybe selected names so that you dont run the risk of it always being there for someone to read while your away, i will not go away on aim triton for fear that someone will read my old conversations. oh well, the clear im is a nice feature tho.

anh3xao reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Jan 12, 2006

test

imsharons reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 4, 2006

The messenger seems to have many good features, however I can not seem to find an option for the old "Find A Buddy" wizard. Am I overlooking the feature or is it absent in this version? If it absent, I already don't like it!

Drich reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Jan 1, 2006

Excellent. The overall look is very clean and modern looking. Havent had any trouble with it at all. Enjoy the built in radio button. AOL is continuing to make better products and hope 2006 will even have more to come.

MillerHighLife88 reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 31, 2005

Validating...

Does AIM ever get past that? And why does it have to do that anyway?? As if the AOL Browser wasn't bad enough, now it doesn't even connect. Total waste of time, I recommend sticking with the old AIM and use Ad-Hack, or use Trillian. Now that AOL is supposedly "Free" expect ads on every inch of all their software and web pages.

jbgrifter reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 28, 2005

Am I the only one that realizes AIM Triton is horrible? Aside from the fact that it forces you to install their awful browser and Plaxo, which I've lived without for 27 years, IT'S LOADED WITH ADS!

I was able to put up with the ads on top of my buddy list for years...because I didn't know that ad hacks existed out there. But the last thing I want to see when I'm IMing my friends is banner ads right in the IM window. I know AOL is hard up for cash, but this is out of hand.

At this point I think you can no longer even download AIM 5.9.whatever from the AIM site, so AOL is already forcing people to put up with their ad birrage. I hate you AOL, you're a bunch of jerks, and do something about the 45 porn IM's I get every day!

messagingfan reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 23, 2005

The new AIM Triton Beta Version 1.1.4 is very useful. AOL Explorer isn't that useful mainly because most people already have Microsoft Internet Explorer and another internet program such as Yahoo! or AOL. The IM Catcher I don't think is very important because if you want to review your IMs, why use IM Catcher? Just click on the IM. Also, I think the AIM Triton should allow all the fonts in your computer like AIM 5.9 did. It allows more expression of yourself. It should also allow buddy icons from different websites besides AOL Expressions because half of the stuff isn't free and the ones that are are horrible icons. I think the best feature of AIM Triton is the tabs on each side of the IM window. It helps control your IMs more and saves up space and virtual memory in your computer. When I heard about AIM Triton, I downloaded it right away because I always like to have the programs in my computer 100% updated. But when I noticed on AIM Triton, there was more bad than good, I downgraded to AIM 5.9 and stuck with that. Overall, AIM Triton is a fairly good software, it just needs a little more work.

Highland 950v2 reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 19, 2005

Brilliant tool,absolutely no problems at all
fresher,brighter looking interface.
The Plaxo address book is very useful,putting all your addresses in one place although the AOL browser is less useful as I already use Firefox the addititon of the spyware scanner is promising.

what_meow reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 12, 2005

Over all, I have had NO problems at all!!! It works great. The only thing I really wish that they at AIM or an outside client would come up with is, making a plugin to make it a multi-protocal with other messengers (msn, yahoo, icq). I think it would be a wonderful idea and it would attract a lot more people to it that already use AIM/AOL instant messengers but at that same time want to chat with friends/ family/ or clients on other messengers.

Famoose_x3 reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 12, 2005

I am dissapointed with AIM. I still have version 5.1 and whenever the new AIM comes out I wish I could download it but I can't. Why? Because everytime I download the new version of AIM, When I send the messages, It goes to my friends right away but it doesn't show up that I sent it. Or as I may state, it is unbelieveably slow when I send my messages. So I keep having to download AIM 5.1 everytime I download a new version. I have given up I won't get the new versions anymore. Now, what sickens me is AIM 5.1 is starting to go, like I can't view my friends' profiles sometimes, it lags. Or as I may call it, I can't see the messages so I have to exit their IM box and re talk to them and I miss a lot of important things they say.

Does anyone have any advice?

Luke115 reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 9, 2005

I am very disappointed in AOL. I’m very upset over them forcing you to use AOL browser at least Microsoft allows you to set a browser different then IE as the default browser. AIM will only now work and open AOL browser EVEN if u go in and remove AOL Browser from your computer. It will say you have removed it then open it right back up next time you open AIM. I spent 2 hours on the phone with AOL and they could not tell me how to get AOL Browser off my computer so that there programs would not open with it. I would love to find a way to take that out.

It’s very unstable runs very slow and disconnects about 3 or 4 times a day. I have to keep the old AIM open to make sure I don’t miss any IM because when it disconnects from the internet if your not looking at it you have no way of knowing. The worst thing is it keeps reinstalling AOL Browser in my C drive even though I installed everything in my D drive. I have tried to get AOL to explain how to fix that tried calling them, posting messages, and Emails. All they would say is, “use a system restore points.” I think AOL really need to rethink there hole view on there new AIM for the first time I think yahoo has a better messenger program not to say anything about programs like MSN or ICQ.

randal2k reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 8, 2005

Bloat... Come on companies, learn from the people...
we want an IM, not IM/Voice/video/(insert more useless blaot here)....

Use google-talk, forget the bloat and crap of the mjor IM's.

cowticket reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 8, 2005

This thing is absolute garbage. It install way too much junk that will never use because, I couldn't even get it to work at all. Stay with AIM or Trillian, this program should still be in alpha.

dcaw8 reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 7, 2005

i've been in this beta ever since the start, and i've NEVER not even once had a problem with it. so please stop saying that this thing is crap, cause if i haven't had any trouble with it, i know there has got to be hundreds of other ppl that it works for also

crashoverride reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 7, 2005

I hope this release will be better then the first triton release. It froze up, had to force it to close, now it won't connect at all. Guess I'll have to remove it and reinstall. This thing is total garbage.

bry reviewed v1.1.4 Beta on Dec 7, 2005

my prayers answered! they finally added back hover menus when u pass your mouse over each SN it gives you all the vital info!

k3of4 reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Dec 3, 2005

Oh my goodness, what happened? I had high hopes that a rewrite of AIM would be something worth using - in spite of better judgments of AOL as a whole. I was sadly mistaken.

This software is resource intensive and typically system invasive in terms of Browser, toolbars and shortcuts it wants to install everywhere. Then once you get it running, it has eye candy fade type effects and a loss of features over the old AIM (font selection??). Even with AIM Ad Hack fixing some items, I find this software awful.

I wish someone made a good AIM client. Trillian still comes closest, IMHO.

Theyseemecoming reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Dec 2, 2005

I can't seem to stop my old version of AIM loading as well as Triton. Also my computer screen is now filled with AIM windows when it starts up. All very annoying really for a superficially improved service.

Can anyone tell me how to stop the old version loading ? Thanks (j.rawle@comcast.net)

improvelence reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Dec 2, 2005

Crap, and that is all there is to it. Chats dont even work (not that I care, but still)

Adrian79 reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 28, 2005

haha this is so friggin sad...utter crap! 4 thumbs down

mtech reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 26, 2005

Too be honest Triton isn't as bad as people make it out to be. I am waiting for an update that cuts the RAM usage in half (of what it uses)... that would be great. I am also looking forward to be able to choose the location of where to install triton (like instead of Local Disk C, I could install it on Local Disk D)

But that might take ahwile....

jkamenetz reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 26, 2005

The is no point to Triton if you can't log in.
After a number of attempts, I gave up. In several forums many people mentioned that they had the same connectivity issues. If I am not mistaked, the AIM AOL staff never proposed a workaround for this.
I checked my firewall. I installed several times.
I can log in with my regular login on the AOL pages.
This maybe a final version, however I am looking forward for a upgrade.

grivad reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 25, 2005

Presentation is nice.

No interest in working with Plaxo, and doesn't automatically sign back in if you're disconnected for some reason. Super bloated as well.

I, as well, will stick with AIM 5.9.

plasmaleto reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 23, 2005

The "Windows (ALL)" needs to be removed, this does not work with Windows 2003 and if I'm not mistaken it doesn't work with Vista either.

theheff reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

Have you actually tried to install this? It is BLOATED. I don't want AOL and a downloader and AOL explorer... I just want AIM. Ridiculously bloated and slow.

Mike162005 reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

Works for me.

heat_fan1 reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

It gets an A for presentation (it is a good looking program), but the AOL Explorer bundling, resource hogging, among other things make it a 3.

brickjohnstone reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

I have not been able to use this version because when I try to log in all it says is validating and nothing else, it never actually logs me in. I guess I will stick with AIM 5.9.

Xjanvil reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

It is quite a resource hog, but appearance wise I think it looks fine. And, a big plus it has going for it in my book: UNICODE. That's automatically 4 points for me.

sadvietboi408 reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

AIM Triton + Aim Ad Hack might be a good combo, but AIM 5.5 + DeadAIM 4.5 is still the best.

lilmegz reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

I can't even sign on wih the g**d*** thing yet, anyone else having that problem as well? Let us know!

Firewall is configured properly to allow it as well...

ServerMechanic reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

Nothing changed.

Same old bloated AIM client like every client after 4.8.

Triton might look nice but the ads and mini-movies that it plays as ads are horrible.

I have no idea why the trend seems to be to make the buddy windows on messenger programs large with huge icons next to the names. I know that "some" of this can be changed but who (other than 10 year old kids) wants this garbage?

:::::::::Junk Junk Junk::::::::::

noneofexion reviewed v1.0.2 Final on Nov 22, 2005

aim triton, interface-wise, looks nicer - but it installs way too much extra crap and icons and startup items, etc. it takes over... there are ways around it. either aim ad hack, or trillian (trillian.cc).

i wasn't a big fan of 5.9, and the GUI looks smoother, but the default install is too much

dmainzman reviewed v1.0.2 Beta on Nov 19, 2005

terminalx, I must say, it was incredibly difficult to read your review, what with your terrible lack of punctuation of any kind...
but anyway, i agree with you that they don't seem to be fixing the features for the people, but rather themselves. All the new features seem to cater towards advertising, and features in old versions which do cater to advertising have been over-emphasized.
And it's not personal opinion. This mess really IS bloatware. Terribly bloated. And the lack of a "choose what to install" option really ticks me off.
But on the other hand, I do like the AIM service. It's easier to use, less glitchy, and more popular (thus more people for you to talk to use it) than the others. So people, download AIM 5.9 or an older version, if you can, before it's too late and this triton crap goes public!

terminalx reviewed v1.0.2 Beta on Nov 19, 2005

It would be nice if people wrote reviews instead of personal comments... anyways...well it ims,xfers files etc etc...right now its not even up to 5.9 standards its missing a lot of features such as when you put the mouse over the person it gave you info, it now uses two services instead of one, it makes you install a browser ,plaxo and an army of other crap I dont need there is no uninstall button (thank god for aim ad hack though) it is cleaner and "prettier" and as of right now it doesnt have any ads (that could be the previous version of aim hack is still working though...) but aside from that its behind all the other im clients out there... apparently aol felt we needed a search to find our buddies in our buddy list...a waste of a feature (if you ask me) and why is aim talk, aim radio have to be on there I dont use it why isnt there a "light" version instead? sending feedback appears to do absolutely nothing... everything on the forums that people want its not getting fixed or being changed...so I ask if they are trying to make this for what the people want why havent I found anyone (including on the forums for the beta)that agree that this IS what people want? Aol needs to start listening to its commercials more because as of now its a lie...theres nothing here anyone wants...

jtopping reviewed v1.0.2 Beta on Nov 19, 2005

I like it...its bloated, but there are ways around that..

The Forge reviewed v1.0.2 Beta on Nov 19, 2005

AIM is a free service of course with FREE service they need to fund it some way. See their Ads about how AOL block Spyware? Well they themself IS the Spyware. I complaint about the bloated processes they added in the background few updates ago. I don't see the reason why, AIM 5.x works fine with just one unless they needed for something else which its not mentioned. Also I find AIM Triton interface at some point over bloated and cluttered even thought it looks pretty and peachy. If you dislike AIM Triton because of those mentioned above then it's not for you and don't install it. Cause I won't. AIM 5.x works just fine for me.

InSuboRdiNaTioN reviewed v0.10.6 Beta on Nov 16, 2005

The ICQ of 7 years ago was far superior to the AIM of today. It's impressive just how poorly put together AIM is.

Mikey21001 reviewed v0.10.6 Beta on Nov 16, 2005

The thing is a resource HOG, it installs AOL services, and then the AIM client under that.. they should stick with SIMPLE application, that what 90% of the people want from it anyhow..

I installed normally, AND with AIM Ad Hack too, both times the thing was just too bloated for my tasted...

Colour reviewed v0.10.6 Beta on Nov 16, 2005

It's definitely getting better, but it's not yet great. It's still very sluggish and there are TOO many features. Maybe they should release a "lite" version of AIM.

Apparently I've downloaded the wrong program, because this is not a 4 or 5 star prorgram, like many people here are calling it...

crashoverride reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Nov 1, 2005

This thing should actually be a gooc client when it reaches final release. As for all the garbage I keep seeing everyone whine about AIm Ad Hack fixed that real quick.

http://aimadhack.webhop.net/

Jose reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 28, 2005

This sucks, I had to sign up for somthing called Plaxo, which kept spamming me, even after i uninstalled this POS and went to Plaxo's site and deleted my account. It finally stopped after i found out that they didnt delete my acount after i t said it had, and i deleted it again. POS--Dont do it. 5.9 is fine for me. The graphics were distracting

Sabz reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 28, 2005

Nice GUI IM Client, once they fix up the Crashes of it etc it'll be an awesome Program,

imfrog2002 reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 28, 2005

I think that AIM did a good job on the graphics, but other than that, it needs work. I still like it, becaue it is faster than the other AIMs. I give it a 4.

Neoprimal reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 27, 2005

Great version of AIM. Kinda sucky as a standalone but use it with the AOL suite and it's pretty powerful. Alot of bugs still. It's in beta, for those asking because it's meant primarily to be a part of the AOL Suite - so they're slowly getting the kinds out of the stand alone version and the version that 'links' with the AOL Suite. I can't wait till the suite goes final.

ke3pup reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 27, 2005

wow! i might not blame them for missing features and a few crashes here and there since its Beta! but the Design, i mean Do something about it! they're either thinking AIM user will use AIM no matter how bad it looks or they should do something about this design . AOL be 1 step behind other IMs not 10! oh and the 1 star(the least) is for WORST DESIGN so dont get all excited . ;)

shicaca reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 26, 2005

It installs. That's about all it does (oh I forgot -- it installs things you never 'opt-in' like the AOL explorer thing.

In any case, it won't let me log in and says my Username/pass is incorrect even though I'm connect just this minute to aim, retyped my pass in the program that works, and it logs in fine.

P.O.S.

lilmegz reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 26, 2005

Why dont they just freakin release the final version and screw all these damn beta updates? Agreed by anyone else?

Colour reviewed v0.8.8 Beta on Oct 26, 2005

mtech, this is a site for beta releases, where we can review beta releases. The program is in beta. This isn't finalversionnews.com, is it? If it was, we wouldn't be posting "Oh, the final is good, but the beta was terrible, so I give it 2 stars." You're saying the opposite: "Oh, it's beta and it may suck, but since the final may be good, I'm giving it 4 stars." Does it make any sense at all to do that? No. Don't complain that people are giving terrible beta software terrible scores--what becomes of this software in its non-beta (final) release has nothing to do with the state of the program while in beta.

Anyway, this program continues to be terrible. I've frequently used the betas since the very beginning and each is extremely buggy. I don't know why they keep adding features but don't work on cutting down system resources. This program is a mess. People want to talk to their friends, not have their lives revolve around some IM program.

exoticdivinity reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 25, 2005

Ok, I tried out the new Beta version that AIM is coming out with....and I have to give it a one because while the design is nice, if you notice, there's some things missing in there that regular AIM has...like profile views and stuff. Plus the status of the AIM user says that they're signed onto AOL when in reality, you're on the AIM triton. Might as well get the AOL software and you can do other things or stick with the older versions of AIM. I used to have 5.9 and I didn't like it...so I stuck with AIM 5.5.3599, the final version of that software before AIM 5.9 came out. The other thing I think AIM needs to look at before releasing the Beta as a final version is the amount of resources that it uses on the computer not to mention 256MB of memory (which on older PC's or PCs that only have 512MB of memory, is not a good thing...people won't have memory to do other things on their computers). That is the main reason why it's getting a 1. Not to mention all the crap that we get loaded with AIM triton like this new thing I forgot what they call it, for some address cards to make out and give to people online. I'd personally stick with the regular AIM we have now and try to update that one to a better version rather then worry about getting the new AIM triton until they fix these problems.

Murphy71984 reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 17, 2005

goodwillstacy, I think you are being a little modest when you give it a 1....I'd give it a big fat 0 if I could!!!

mtech reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 13, 2005

Why do people always have to be so negative. THIS IS BETA SOFTWARE. I bet all you people that are so negative about this program, will want this program later when it becomes final.... I think it is a good program and has lots of potential.

goodwillstacy reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 13, 2005

Defintion of Spyware: Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet.
Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly 'spyware,' but it definitely did install things without my knowledge. No matter how sleek it is, I would never keep it on my machine- who knows what else it's doing and not telling me about.
I am beginning to think that AOL is evil. This gets a "1" rating.

PaneTrez reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

I do indeed like the interface of this version, I haven't really checked out the memory usage though (I assume it to be much higher than the current AIM). However, the AIM Ad Hack Beta for this is pretty sweet, and you can remove all the unnecessary portions that AOL bundles with this software. AIM Triton has a clean interface and stylish tabbed IMs. However, I would like to see AOL add the ability for users to rename buddy screenames (like Trillian). This version is going to be HUGE for AOL.

Adrian79 reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

actually, i liked it.. It got a 1 because i dont want AOL browser, etc. installed...process in backround are u kidding me??????!!!!

grow up and loose the baggage, then i will raise score.

eclipsingdivinity reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

Well, even if it's a beta, still doesn't mean we should give it 4 stars. Right? As much as the new interface is sleek and in depth, I don't really care for all the useless processes AIM throws in the background. Any beta has control over what it puts in your background, and AIM abuses the rule in my opinion. I also think peeps with lower end PC's are going to have troubles if AIM doesn't clear this problem up.

But if AOL plays their cards right, and they fix this one griping issue when the release candidate finally arrives. I may finally find myself liking AIM. :-P

bounty1990 reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

To Everyone:
I would suggest Trillian(http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/. Aim is always going to be full of *addons* that F$#% with your pc. Trillian is the best way to go. I have been running Trillian for 6 months and it uses less system resources Aim and is more stable. Trillian is also good if you use multiple Apps for IMing. Trillian allows you to run AIM,MSN,ICQ, and Jabber based connections.

damndj reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

Triton has come a long way since the early beta releases. It has transformed into a slow, buggy, highly crash prone client into a more robust, still a bit buggy, and slightly crash prone client. While features are still missing that are currently available in the 5.x client, this is moving along rather nicely. For AIM, it's not bad.

jordenpro reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

AIM is still the largest IM community, even with YAHOO and MSN recent merge. If you don't like the ADS use AIMADHACK to remove them and all the other junk. Please don't sit around and cry like babies over and over about something you have control of. Windows comes bloated and most of us know how to customize it to fit our needs. My point is, if your just the average point and click "Win Baby" then your right, don't use AIM, download MSN or Yahoo and go about your business. But if your one that like to customize everything to fit your needs, this is for you!

Flame on Flamers, it's what you do!

OSuser reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

I like the new and/or improved features. Works alright. What I don't understand is that, regular AIM only has ONE process running(unless there are few other hidden), BUT AOL AIM Triton has like 2-3 running in the background. What gives??? I don't like it when AOL tries to take control over my PC/Online communication. Answer? Don't use it if you don't like it.

olavinto reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

It seems very cleat that people don't understand what the word beta means. Why else are they complainin about features that have been removed or why it takes longer to connect than before? It's beta version and it means that it isn't ready yet. So go posting suggestions to AOL and then if the final version still lacks these features come here to complain. Beta is meant for testing so that problems in it can be fixed and new features added if needed. But if no one tells the creator of the product what is wrong or what should be added why would they add anything new as no one seems to be needing it...?

improvelence reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

This is the dumbest thing I have ever seen....what the hell were they thinking. Use trillian or even gaim, but stay away from this ad riddle ugly crap. AIM is dead, accept it and move on....just like ICQ, useless these days. Trillian Pro = Excellent (but pricey), Gaim = good (but free).

tc reviewed v0.7.13 Beta on Oct 12, 2005

Any IM program with ads in the IM window can eat my ass. I don't care if it's collapsable .. it's bulls***.

I use video to talk with family members that can't type for s*** and this doesn't have it. Even if it did I'd still steer clear of this peice of software.

I hate that it installs its self in new directories all over the place.

Just another attempt by AOL to take over your computer and be everywhere.

AOL terrorist bas****s can all die a slow death for all I care. As soon as Google Talk supports the AIM protocol I will give up AIM forever.

jpwright reviewed v0.6.17 Beta on Oct 9, 2005

Dear god. When will AOL learn?

I seriously hate this version of AIM even moreso than older versions of AIM. Guess what? I don't care about spiffy graphics, or better sounds, or cool fade transitions when I switch between the username and password boxes.

I don't like the way it takes longer to connect to AIM than usual, plus fewer configuration options, such as the ability to dock the buddy list on the side of the screen. Why was this removed? I don't know.

As for voice, video, mobile messaging, AOL email accounts that I don't use... AOL needs to work on perfecting their client, and probably their network alltogether, before I will begin to care.

Mr. Lemon reviewed v0.6.17 Beta on Oct 8, 2005

Horrible, as usual, with AIM. I'd take Trillian any day over this.

Colour reviewed v0.6.17 Beta on Sep 26, 2005

Terrible.

I install it and run it; it crashes.

I run it again and sign in. It launches AOL Explorer for no reason. Then AIM opens a million IE browers (which I didn't open in the first place). It's an endless stream that I can't get rid of. I'm forced to switch the user and restart the computer, because I can't exit AIM and I can't access CTRL-ATL-DEL. What a piece of crap.

Hey, it's my fault because it's beta. But it's pathetic. I've tried these betas since the beginning and they've got none better. It's so sluggish. They better get rid of the bloat (because that's what IT HAS) and the kiddie-script -type errors. Jesus. It's a piece of trash, and this is from someone who continues to use AIM (5.9) instead of the multitude of alternatives.

And how lovely--not only does it install AOL explorer, but it installs a toolbar for Outlook. What is wrong with AOL? Apparently they know nothing about what internet users want and DON'T want. People want to talk to their friends or whatever, not have their life managed by some piece of crap IM program (which this new version is turning out to be).

Edit - apparently, you have to restart when you uninstall the browser and for AIM itself. Piece of s***.

0 stars.

DigitalSin reviewed v0.6.17 Beta on Sep 26, 2005

It's not bad and I realize it is beta. I played around with it for about an hour. In that hour it crashed two times.

The interface is laid out decently, but it is a bit sluggish on my laptop (3ghz P4, 512MB ram).

I've been following it for some time, it is definitely getting better with each release. I'll check it our after a couple more iterations.

Adrian79 reviewed v0.6.17 Beta on Sep 26, 2005

"will eventually enable users to launch video IM sessions"......

ok well then let me know when that gets added, then i might give it a go...maybe ;-)

PaneTrez reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 12, 2005

Bloated...pure and simple. At least with Trillian you can interface with other Chat servers. Just go with AIM Ad Hack, MirandaIM or Trillian.

aurigus reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 10, 2005

I wish people would review the software rather than the company. It's free software, so it's supported by ads; if that bugs you so much then use another chat client (Trillian?).

Anyway, about this software, AOL has finally given AIM a facelift that it's needed for the past few years. Very slick interface, the ad level is the same as before (you can choose to put the ad in the buddy list instead of the IM window which is the default - it is very annoying to have it in the IM window). I ran through all of the options - obviously it is still in development but it is a nice step forward for AIM. Everything runs smoothly, the menus all fade for a nice effect. It looks like the are working in a picture sharing service (maybe similar to Hello?).

I would recommend this version over the old versions.

OSuser reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 10, 2005

I like the AOL AIM Triton except its getting more bloated. The interface looks up to date and easy to navigate. Now off topic: AOL claimed to be anti spyware by their self IS a spyware. Yes it's true AIM is the only thing they got going for AOL so that's why they're trying to keep it updated. AIM is free but AOL is not free. I used to have AOL account and they have pop-up ads every time I log in to it. What worst is after you canceled the account, they STILL spamming you with phone calls. Yes I really do hate that. Anti Spy-wares....yeah right.

theheff reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 9, 2005

Matrix3000k:
You're just a sucker for spyware. Free software doesn't mean it has to be bloated, spyware-infested, and loaded with ads. Of course, AOL has to revert to this because AIM is the only thing fueling their company right now. What's so grand about an AIM email address? Please. I can't even imagine the amount of spam you'd get with that.

Matrix3000k reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 9, 2005

theheff:

SPYWARE!!!!!! LOL your a pretty funny guy there. the only way people get spyware is by downloading crap off the internet. AIM is the not the only thing keeping aol alive. how could it be when its FREE dummy. I should know trust me. Spyware gets into the computer by visiting various website with out you even knowing it smartass. Name me one freak software out there that is not trial, or shareware that dose not have ads in it. may i add netzero the free version. its loaded with adds. any other program out there has adds in it. Last time i check AOL has more members than any other ISP out there with over 3.5 billion users including international users as well. Check your sources then make a smart comment that really makes sense!!!!!!
and by the way stop going to porn sites maybe you will stop getting spammed and spyware buddy!!!!

for the babies in here winning about the ads that AIM has last time i check AIM was FREE. WIth any FREE Software there are ads. either put up or shut up people. if you don't like the ads then just get aim hijack and install it it will take care of the problem for you. or if you don't want to use it at all just use GAIM or Trillian. just stop crying about it and do something about it.

i think the new aim is great. i love it. i have been using aim for a longest time. its FREE and it helps me keep in touch with my buddies from around the country. i give it a 5 all the way and i know the final relase is going to be successful as well. and for everyone as well you now a FREE AIM email address. is everyone going to start complaining about that as well?????

ModderXManiac reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 9, 2005

Bloated, buggy, slow, utter crap.

Aim Ad Hack wouldnt help this at all. It was good until Triton...But this...ugh...utter bloated crap.

I'll never use an AOL product again. This is the crappy product of a monopolizing company. Intel and AOL are teamed up together to ensure that AOL is the most-used software on Windows platforms.

I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT. And I refuse to use a crappy app like this.

1 out of 5. I'd do -5 if possible!!

heyupandy reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 9, 2005

i used 2 think it was a great messenger the new triton, then it started playing these awful video ads wiv sound...its unbeleivably annoying u stop the video, then bout 10 seconds l8r wen ure talkin (or even when everythings minimized n ure browsing the net) it starts playin agen, then another 10 seconds l8r...thank god for ad hack, aslong as they've removed it, it shud b a decent program agen :)

yusufjee reviewed v0.5.21 Beta on Sep 9, 2005

As long as its starting up 2 or 3 instances of AOLSERVICEHOST, i am not using it.

Aim Customer reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Sep 9, 2005

if anyone knows how to use their without being on aol could you please help me and leave the steps on how to do it on this fourum thank you

nickstein25 reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 6, 2005

Good:
1. (So far) it has not played any of those god-awful video-sound ads.
2. It looks nice, and finally has tabbed IM'ing
Bad:
1. No profile or buddy icon
2. Those in IM window ads are rediculous
3. It doesnt reconnect automatically, which is really annoying, hopefully this will be fixed.
4. What the heck is with it installing that stupid "AOL Explorer"!!?! It didnt ask me if it can and all those shells for internet explorer are really stupid.

dono1216 reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Sep 5, 2005

Gaim is better in all aspects except for direct connection (which is shaky at best). I keep AIM 5.2 just for that.

PCCRomeo reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 3, 2005

Looks nice, but we all know what they say about a pretty face, and teaching an old dog new tricks. I think the whole thing about being able to chose having the ad in the buddy window or the chat window is hilarious. How about NO WHERE AOL? Or atleast do like Yahoo and put the thing in a chat room window. I agree what the person said about not making software for novices. You need to make your program totally customizeable. Neither MSN, Yahoo or AOL have came out with an impressive chat app in quite some time, so I'm going to stick with Trillian.

rpavl reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 3, 2005

MORE AND MORE JUNK FROM A COMPANY THAT HAS SEEN ITS TIME PASS. I CANT WAIT TILL THE INTERNET BABIES HAVE TO ACTUALLY READ THEIR EMAIL FROM A POP MAIL CLIENT ROFLMAOOOOOOOOOOOO :)

Kushan reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 3, 2005

Very poor, it's pretty much just AOL's attempt at copying MSN by looking pretty, but just like MSN they've bloated the hell out of their Client.
Stick with Trillian, MirandaIM or GAIM, at least they're way more customizable.

improvelence reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

I hope this is a drawn out April Fools joke.

terminalx reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

This debate that always comes up about "bloat" is really getting tired...all these extra features is what the subscribers want and I can understand this...the problem though is they don't give the advanced user or possible new subscribers the option to clean it up...sure you can uninstall the aol browser ...but I have a radio,voip, and email (each one of these services requires another process to run) (you can kill off the processes though...but still something I shouldn't have to do) the im app itself is clean and nice and does what its supposed to just again this new aim is doing more then just im now

If AOL wants to be able to add more subscribers they really need to get on the ball and give this in more then the big expansive version.

This could be a great app if they could understand
that not everyone is a moron when it comes to pcs.

ServerMechanic reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

Triton is horrible.

It's all Eye Candied up but it's not any better. Just more annoying.

You can choose to see the ads in the buddy list window or the chat window. I don't really care where it's at.

The chat windows just keep getting bigger and bigger with more useless information in the window area.

There was no better version of AIM than version 4.8. They should make it like 4.8 and just add some function not all this other garbage.

The names are bigger. It's like they designed Triton for people over age 40 that cannot see well and don't know jack about computers.

Waste of time to install and uninstall.

huppel reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

AOL ? The one that tries to boycot Microsoft in any way possible ?

NO NO NO it is not going to spoil my WindowsXP machine !!!!!!!!!!!!

Zulithe reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

in reply to the "boat" discussed below, just how exactly can you disable it? The bloat comes in the form of additional windows services which run alongside AIM, plus the bundled AOL Browser which, while it is bad GUI-wise, is just an IE-frontend and I could care less about using it. I've got Firefox. As for Triton itself, I really like the new look and greatly look forward to the final release (which I assume will be called AIM 6.0)

jordenpro reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

With Aim AdHack this will be great.

I'm a little upset they removed the encrypted chat/im/file transfers feature from triton.

If AIM doesn't add this feature to the Final release of this product I'll never switch over to it!

You hear me? N E V E R!

pipdipchip reviewed v0.5.15 Beta on Sep 2, 2005

People got too concerned with "bloat". Most bloat can be disabled after you download. The latest Triton build is very fast on my computer. The new features are nice too. I'll admit, I hope AOL doesn't fck this up but I think Triton could be a great app.

thefalcon2k5 reviewed v0.4.7 Beta on Aug 20, 2005

Having AOL/AIM Triton so far has made things worse compared to the last full version of AOL Instant Messenger 5.9. As far as I'm concerned, having them redo their entire poor project of AOL Instant Messenger was somewhat a bad mistake. I've been using AOL Instant Messenger for about 6 years now, and this has got to be the worst beta I have ever tested.

Personally, the only thing I like of it so far is the XM Radio.

some guy reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Aug 12, 2005

wait Im still building my house out of the free cd's

Tokar reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Aug 11, 2005

Still includes AOL Explorer 1.1.4234.1042.

arunjeevi reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Aug 11, 2005

i feel Zulithe has a point. but i guess this is a bugfix release.. i wish it had only Instant messenger making it easier for ppl downloading who uses low speed connection like me. (Mine doesnt crosses even 5kbps). any

jordenpro reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Aug 11, 2005

I enjoy AIM. I enjoy the SSL encryption feature it has along with linking names. You have the option to keep AIM as nonbloated as you want. As you do Windows and any other application that is customizable. The fact is, alot of people like these added features. Most people on here don't, but the average joe isn't a member of betanews.

jcs83md reviewed v5.9.3861 Final on Aug 11, 2005

Make the switch over to Gaim, I have at work. I still run AIM at the house, but its on an older version w/ DeadAIM installed.

AIM is just getting too bloated.

Tokar reviewed v5.9.3861 Beta on Aug 9, 2005

Includes AOL Explorer version 1.1.4234.1042.

Current version of AOL Explorer is 1.1.4234.1044 (with desktop search)...1.1.4234.1043 without.

Not worth installing AOL Explorer since its an outdated version for you AOL Explorer users.

Zulithe reviewed v5.9.3857 Beta on Aug 5, 2005

I don't get why they keep releasing betas of aim 5 when Triton is under development also. It makes no sense to me.

Neoprimal reviewed v5.9.3857 Beta on Aug 5, 2005

Still a pretty good program. Strong features and encrypted IMs.

*You can uncheck anything you don't want to install along with AIM*

They should remove Ads for AOL users.

dcaw8 reviewed v5.9.3850 Beta on Jul 29, 2005

there is a checkbox in the install so where if you don't want them, they won't install

Fowlance reviewed v5.9.3850 Beta on Jul 29, 2005

This is crazy. I have to wait 10 extra minutes just to download AIM epxlorer and An IE toolbar that I won't ever use?

They need to fix some bugs, and.. Maybe add support for a Now Playing plugin with WinAMP.

AOL and WinAMP are in some way together right?

Tokar reviewed v5.9.3850 Beta on Jul 29, 2005

1 version late :).

Tokar reviewed v5.9.3844 on Jul 28, 2005

ok wheres AIM Ad Hack 4.10?

jon8rfc reviewed v5.9.3844 on Jul 27, 2005

I haven't noticed any problems, but I strongly dislike the installer's filesize. Packaging AOL Browser with AIM makes the filesize of the installer jump ~4megs. SO, to all of you thinking it's terribly bloated, it isn't 4megs of junk, just a browser that you can choose NOT to install.

I made a new adremover for this version as well: http://jon8rfc.homeip.net/aim/adremoval
It does adremoval, nothing more. Plain, small, and simple.

chinch reviewed v5.9.3844 on Jul 27, 2005

yeah, i was wondering what actual changes had been made to the AIM client itself.. i don't see any whatsoever.. as mentioned a couple reviews down, i think the only "upgrade" has been done to the stupid POS browser that comes with it. thankfully it's optional, you can uncheck it and the AOL toolbar in the install program.. so that's at least a plus.

Best addon for AIM is Messenger:Mate, IMO. deadAIM is bunk, it's out of date and is abandonware. the M:M author actually keeps working on his software, in fact he just released 1.4.1 today. It's not freeware, but the program only costs 5 dollars, come on.. reasonable price for the software, i think. i'd buy a lot more software if all were that cheap.

otero1 reviewed v5.9.3844 on Jul 27, 2005

AOL following , or making a trend of adding new bells and whistles to make new versions. Focus on fixing the bugs and it would be the master IM client. Sad sad sad. So many great apps are doing this. Pretty soon we're gonna have to start making our own then relying on piece of crap FatWare.

rpavl reviewed v0.4.7 Beta on Jul 26, 2005

More AOL BLOAT...Disappear soon please....

improvelence reviewed v0.4.7 Beta on Jul 21, 2005

Aside from being a resource hog and all of it's other negativities...this has to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen. AIM, over the years has looked more and more patched together...at times looking like something created by an amateur. Yahoo is leaps and bounds ahead of AIM in every way. The only superior function of AIM is its abilities to directly connect without a bunch of firewall configurations. But this new triton is a joke. Let's hope the final will be streamlined.

rpavl reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 13, 2005

More JUNK from AOhaha. Good grief.

johnk119 reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 13, 2005

This program is moving away from the direction I'd like. It continues to move further away from an I.M. chat program. They're using it to force their software on us. I for one prefer trillian, game, and miranda.

jordenpro reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 13, 2005

Regardless of the people the continue to call the features, they don't use "bloatware." This is still the best instant messaging program out. I love the SSL encryption you can use for secure IM, Chat, and file transfering. I've yet to see any other IM service offer that! Not to mention the 2 gigs for AIM mail you get now.

Way to go AIM!

alienvenom reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 13, 2005

For those who are wondering, the new "features" actually have nothing to do with AIM itself. AOL is now including its "browser" with AOL Instant Messenger. More information can be found at the AIM website: http://www.aim.com/get_aim/win/win_beta.adp

AOL calls the browser "convenient, built-in browsing," which is a complete load of crap.

Pipewrench reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 13, 2005

Junk bloat.

The best was AIM 4.8

They should have just stuck with AIM 4.8 and added offline messaging.

This should be called FAAAAATware

dcaw8 reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

AIM is a very good software, and idk what you guys are looking at, but there are little check buttons that you can un-check to keep from installing the toolbar and explorer

crashoverride reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

I'll give it a 3 because those morons at AOL won't quit adding more unnecessary bloat. They do this by adding more and more useless features on top of the multitude of useless features it already has. This is AOL for ya... the undisputed king of bloatware.

ModderXManiac reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

You guys are stupid n00bie hypocrites.

Ever heard of Aim Ad hack? It does wonders for AIM.
The version for this release of aim will be out within a few days, I cant wait.

I give AIM a 4 because I find it quite intrusive, so i mainly use Trillian/and-or/GAIM.

But alternatives tend to lack the newest(and best) features which makes me stick with the original client.

Just wait for the new AIM Ad Hack, and stop rating this bad because your just a n00b and an arrogant hypocrite. This app does what it does very well.

Kompressor reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

No offline messaging?

Tokar reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

Can you dopes quit your complaining, and just comment about the features and just wait for the new version of AIM Ad Hack?

cooldude7273 reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

It now scans for spyware? HA! I really wish they would stop putting this crap in.

kovenant reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

1 word: CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!

theheff reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

Is the AIM ad hack included in this download? NO. Therefore, I will rate THIS download and still give it a 1. Even if you hack the ads, great, you still have to install the adware. It's so bloated with junk. Look at the filesize. Now compare that size to 5.2. You can call me a n00b, but I'm the one thinking logically.

DarkMana reviewed v5.9.3828 Beta on Jul 12, 2005

Oh, so I'm a n00b, is that it? Take a hike, buster. I've been around this little game for a good number of years and know the score. Presently it sits thusly; you are a ****tard for even giving this awful, bloated piece of s*** anything higher then 2 diapers full of biohazard and an exploding camel. So before you insist on getting a hard-on because you called some one a n00b, why don't you go buy yourself a clue, tool.

mtech reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jul 5, 2005

I am a Trillian 3 user.... and I saw this, and for those out there who are testing this... would you mind telling the CPU and Memory Usage of this program??

Mike162005 reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jul 1, 2005

And more Trolls.

statm1 reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jul 1, 2005

Hmm.. Well This new version has its plus and minuses.. But, I think I'm going to stick to 5.9 until they can iron out the speed problems.. the hd hasnt stopped working since I installed triton.. It freezes for a few seconds when your looking at the settings.. and when notifications come up the hd goes to work more.. kinda sucks.. But other than that.. the new ui is pretty nice..

jon8rfc reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jul 1, 2005

Though I'm not a huge fan of the new way Triton functions, I must say that this release is better than the previous.

I'm trying to view Triton as an improvement of AIM, rather than "AOL messing up". It will take some time, and even though I don't want to switch over right now, Triton looks promising if the speed and smoothness can eventually get to the point of classic AIM.

Tokar reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jun 30, 2005

Well AOL Browser isnt crappy to begin with. But it would be nice to give people an option to install it i suppose. I already have it on my computer since I use it...so i dont know if it does actually give the option.

JFYI: the AOL Downloader program downloads the installer of AIM Triton to C:\Documents and Settings\all users\Application Data\AOL Downloads\aim_triton_setupUS\

If this is what AIM 6.X is supposed to be, count me out. Ive tried all 3 beta versions. All of them stall...all of them are CPU hogs...all of them take forever to type in (typing in it is not realtime probably for CPU reasons).
Im not complaining about the fact that certain features arent there because this is betaware. But its a real problem when new betas come out and the same problems with resource hogging dont disappear.
I get all excited to try the new beta. Within a few minutes my excitement goes away and i run the uninstaller.

I would like to use this but never get the opportunity since i cant do anything in it.

I hope they improve this big time before final...

oofki reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jun 30, 2005

It installs all the USELESS aol services like host manager and connectivity service. I don't like where this is headed...

ZJAM reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jun 30, 2005

you know a lot of people knock AOL and from what theyve done in the past i can see why but quite frankly now i think they are broadening out more and making changes for the best if they lowered the price on their internet service theyd probally have a sure way of heading back to the top...as for this new aim triton build i love it works great :)

ArabianNight reviewed vBeta 3 Build 0.3.19 on Jun 30, 2005

I can just make out the word "Family" in the last blurred out user group....

Drich reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on Jun 26, 2005

Probably the best (as in appearance), IM client I have used. The GUI is being used on all AOL beta testing software, and I like it. Its clean. Im happy to hear they are removing weather third party applications from it.

g-smooth2k reviewed v5.9.3797 on Jun 25, 2005

AIM is soooo good to chat with others. It is my main IM program I use but hate the darn ads in the client.

Pros: Fast chat, Quick Response, Nice Features, etc.

Cons: ADWARE

NyNe reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 27, 2005

im giving 0.2 a 2 rating because honestly it's not a very good program as is
the interface is impressive, oohs and aahs, but once you see what's behind it you start thinking it's not worth it.

i've noticed the 4 processes it opens, the large memory consumption, the adware like crazy, and the inability to actually CLOSE the program without using the task manager to end it.

the lack of functionality makes it about as useful as aim express, which isnt bad, but aim express serves its perpose, whereas triton displays coming soon pictures and file sending or just doesnt have things like removing people from the block list.

i do like that this program seems to be a lot better about voice chat, video, pictures, files, and all functionality in generl - even if some of it doesnt work, the 'preview' of how it will be looks very enticing, but for now i'll stick with regular aim.

as everyone has said, this program has a lot of potential, and some have realized this is a BETA, so it's not meant to be perfect, just a preview for testing, and for those who dont know there is a FEEDBACK category on the triton website for you to alert them of errors, NOT TO BASH THEM. they know their program isnt 'up to par' that's why it's BETA!!!!

sorry for my ranting im just sick of people bashing this program for being bad when it's not even finished. if you dislike it so much, go write your own program... otherwise be patient with the AIM programmers while they do what they can to get the program working.

jpmccord reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 26, 2005

"4 processes running from AIM, consuming roughly 70megs of RAM. Thats crazy for a stupid text message program. Even AIM 5.x doesn't go above 30megs (that I've noticed)." --- I AGREE! Open conversations notwithstanding, a text-messaging program should use no more than about 5-10 megs of RAM, and probably even less. What is this program doing?! I only give it a 2 because it does at least connect me to my AIM buddy list and do all the things I expect from AIM... but geez it's bloated.

WeR4saken reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 26, 2005

Nice looking UI, but it's a huge resource hog.
After just logging on, without opening a chat window, there are 4 processes running from AIM, consuming roughly 70megs of RAM. Thats crazy for a stupid text message program. Even AIM 5.x doesn't go above 30megs (that I've noticed).

I also found that the settigs UI took about a minute to load.

It's got a long way to go.

johnathonm reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 26, 2005

First, let me start by saying I do not work for aol, I never have and, more than likely, never will. That being said, this is a huge step forward in terms of the UI for the client. Other then that, a lot has yet to be seen. It is my sincere desire that they remove the integration with You've got pictures. So, based on this early beta build the product appears to be heading in the right direction UI wise. It's very smooth, easy on the eyes, and makes the baby jesus happy. The memory foot print is huge, there are features that don't work and things crash - but hey, that's a beta. So, overall it's really nice, the tab interface is very smooth, the color scheme works well, and the aliased fonts are awesome. Give it a try, if you hate it, cry, if you like it great.

KeithWatt reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 26, 2005

jordenpro:

Guess what? I have an AOL account and I still get to stare at ads EVERY TIME I LOG ONTO AOL.

NyaR reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 25, 2005

jordenpro obviously works for aol, so dont listen to him. It is stupid to use this program, when there are plenty of free multiclient, resource efficient, and visually appealing programs. This is crapware, bundled with crap.

jordenpro reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 25, 2005

If you don't like the ADS in AIM, then purchase an AOL account. The point of AIM is so people can chat with their friends on the #1 online service....AOL.

So, you choose, 14.95 a month for AOL, or you can stare at ADS on AIM. Either way you'll complain. The point is to talk to people on AOL.

Personally, I think this new version has great potential and will be alot better once beta stages are completed. I checked the BETA website for this product and it seems to be very active.

Thanks for crying like everyone else about the features you don't like, I think the ADS are staying, so let's discuss somethings that matter!

VictorAnderson reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 25, 2005

Spyware/Adware/Banner-Ad program that juuuust happens to have an extra feature - instant messaging!
How pathetic can AOL get...check this out right from their website....

"Some new changes in this build are:
We're testing out different ad placements in Beta 2! You can now view ads in either the IM conversation window or the Buddy List. In the IM window, the ads will display only once in the History area and will gradually scroll away as you send and receive IMs. You can also continue to view ads on the Buddy List as you do today.
You can choose your experience via the "Ads" tabs in the IM Settings window.".....

This should tell you something...the big deal on this beta release is.... ADs !!! Oh boy, just what I wanted...new ways to "experience ads".

AOL has to be one of the few big-time-software-author loooooosers of all time - who else is capable of screwing up an application WORSE with each new release? geeeeze.

improvelence reviewed vBeta 2 Build 0.2.11 on May 25, 2005

You have to be kidding me.
Any good review of this thing has to be a fake.
Runs a couple programs in the background, is horribly ugly, slow, (i wont say buggy, because it IS a beta and I understand that), again though...you would have to be blind to find this attractive. Junk-ware. AIM gets uglier and more bloated with ever new release...and this "next generation" is disgusting. AIM is dead and has been for a while now. The AIM clones, or even yahoo messenger (though version 6 is a little annoying) are far better alternatives.

Racerbob reviewed v5.9.3782 Beta on May 20, 2005

OSuser, I saw this on the net yesterday at the AIM site and told Betanews about it. AOL doesn't notify Betanews of new releases, people like you and me do. I like AIM and AIM Ad hack 4.05 works fine on this release also.

princeofpentacles reviewed v5.9.3782 Beta on May 20, 2005

yes this is addware(not adware), so please add it tour installations.this is number one im client in the world.so lets give it some credit guys instead of the regular aol bashing.highly recommended im client for anyone.

OSuser reviewed v5.9.3782 Beta on May 20, 2005

How come there aren't any list of fixes and/or updates? Or are they using Betanews to advertise themself too? EDITED: Don't get me wrong guys. I love AIM and I've been usiing it God knows how long. And thanks to Cuban-Aftermath Software's AIM Adhack, AOL AIM is still the best internet's best instant messanger(in my book).

jordenpro reviewed v5.9.3782 Beta on May 19, 2005

Angry, angry...Do you think AIM would be the #1 chat client if they only offered basic IM to IM. The fact is there are more people that like these extra features in their software. The wonderful thing about smart people like ourselves is that we know how to disable these features, don't we? I agree with the spyware, weatherbug, blah, blah x2. However, I also know how to not use/install the software I choose not to use or even see. AIM is great, for it lets you cheap people communicate in realtime with the people that pay for AOL. After all it is the #1 Online Service!

Believe me I could sit here and talk trash about it all day long, but my needs are security, and AOL/AIM offer the best security for my accounts.

AIM, offers SSL encryption for chat sessions, File Transfer, Instant Messaging. This is needed by most people, but is a huge plus for some.

AOL, offers their new PassCode, using the RSA security features. This is something I look forward to my bank using shortly. So even if you were infected with a trojan, keylogger the RSA key changes every 60 seconds. So I login with my normal password, and then prompted for the RSA key before accessing my account.

These features are not as important to many people, but I'm constantly harrassed for my screen name, so I use all the extra security options offered!

shaydre944 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on May 17, 2005

This has alot of potential, I can't believe AOL actually added tabbed window support. The lack of buddy info is scary, I hope they do not become like Yahoo and go to webpages, but the potential for this could be alot greater. As of now it is slow, buggy, and the AOL icon stays in the systray even upon exit. skin support would eventualy be good too, lets hope this turns out well!
- shaydre944

shaydre944 reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 15, 2005

It really isn't that bad of a program if you download it from Aim Ad hack. It installs it for you then takes out the browser, ads, everything. I like where they are going with the email, although it doesn't work on firefox! Tabbed windows eventually would be excellent. this will be the last release according to reports until the AIM triton build is perfected, the beta is horrible, i guess we'll just have to wait and see, ill give it a 4 because with AIM ad hack its still just like the older versions.

randal2k reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 13, 2005

this beast is a nightmare. Why in the $#%# did they add pop-up blocking to the IM? probably cuase no one except maybe people with no clue, would download an AOL IE bar.
as much as i HATE aol, i did download and give this a try.

The user interface is clunky, but this will probably change.
The IM pop-up blocker is annoying, becuase you have to turn it off, after allowing a pop-up from IE.
the email bit is Useless... (im a reply to my email, and watch yourself get taken off my whitelist.) adds!
i am thourghly unimpressed, and yes the bloody AOL browser tries to install as well.

Stay away from this unless, you want to se what we are talking about. If you like AIM, wait for final, allot of the bugs/buggy behaviours should be gone.

GoodThings2Life reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 13, 2005

I don't ask for very much from software I use on my computer... I expect it to perform as described, and I expect to have a choice of components it installs.

AOL has never been good at offering either of these. As one of the first 100 Members of AOL way back on 1.0, I was quite pleased with their service. However, by the time 3.0 and 4.0 rolled out, AOL switched to an "everything-AND-the-kitchen-sink" mentality. The problem with this attitude is that they don't offer a custom install option that lets you CHOOSE if you want the kitchen sink or if you prefer your own.

The same is true of this version... I don't want Ad/Spyware-blockers-- I already have three already that I chose to install (MS AntiSpyware, Ad-Aware, HijackThis). I don't want a browser "skin"... I already have 2 browsers already (IE, FireFox). I don't want WeatherBug or WildTangent--- I despise both services, because I don't play games on my machines and I can look out the window if I want to know what the weather is like.

I am all for having functionality... I just want an option to peacefully remove it or disable it if I don't want it... without having to dig through registry keys and without having to delete files manually and without having to run Ad-Hack and other programs.

I'm not asking for a miracle here... just good programming... but maybe I *should* ask for a miracle, because it's far more likely to happen.

Pipewrench reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 13, 2005

Well, it's never a good thing when I have no choice on whether or not it installs AOL Browser. I want to install AIM not AOL Browser too.

I simply backed out of the install as I have no want to have extra CRAP installed on my box.

I'll stick with MSN and Yahoo! for now.

shicaca reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 13, 2005

I don't know where the hell they are making "improvements", but I'm seeing absolutely NOTHING different to this POS. I'm not installing another "update" to their software until it's a final version. This is rediculous.

The ONLY thing that I see different is the CRAP browser they install without asking you. Um. *UNINSTALLED!*

Stupid piece of AOL tripe!

Astro-SII reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 12, 2005

"AOL Instant Messenger should be used because e-mail just isn't fast enough sometimes."

what?

9 times out of 10, if someone is able to get an AOL IM, they can get email at the same time....

Nikkie reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 12, 2005

It's ok .. Ignore the users below with petitions and complaints about extra files etc.

If youre not dumb on the computer you can handle it and clean it up . If you dont care about the extra files (which doesnt really matter) you will be fine .you can always get middle man , dead aim , ad hack or aimutation etc.

I dont use aim much but come on guys ... stop being such followers . Its a program that is part of a company that a lot of people hate cause its ''the kool thing to do'' ...

also , why are people so lazy ..

can you read ? do you really need a petition .. it says

''License:Adware''

If you dont want it then dont download it or learn how to take out adware with programs such as spybot/adaware .

fatray reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 12, 2005

I finally get an email with my AIM, the browser it installs seems to be like Opera, installation includes an addware blocker. My other addware blockers blocked the other stuff AIM installed. So far so good. This will be the first time I didn't use AIM ad HACK after the install. Huge improvement over version 5.9.3759. This is the one I have been waiting for!

terminalx reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 12, 2005

If its not Microsoft, Its AOL that people complain about...what people fail to realize is all these "useless" features is what people want...they like having everything integrated into it because its only one thing they have to use...yes its going to be argued that a lot of people don't want it but they wouldn't make it with these features if people didnt request them... If everyone was so against these "useless" "bloatware" no one would be using it as there are quite a few other clients as well as multi clients...so obviousily someone wants these features hence why they are still there because if no one was d/ling this program or if everyone was complaining constantly they wouldn't add more stuff if no one was using it...it makes no sense... I use trillian which everyone complains about as well but it doesn't slow down my pc nor does it hog an enormous amt of resources I really liked IM2 but its just not a good program too buggy yet and the mobile im everytime it signs on it messages all my mobile buddies which can be annoying eh anyways my two cents

JOEWARE reviewed v5.9.3771 Beta on May 12, 2005

completely bundled w/ useless crap. I'll wait for the final release and use aim ad hack when it's compatible w/ the final release of this "aim".

jeffkatz reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on May 6, 2005

I love it! Many parts of it are extremely simple to understand, which is crucial. It looks like they are missing some features and I hope that when they do incorporate them, they make sure they don't complicate the application. It's gotta remain easy to understand.

Congrats AOL!

jpmccord reviewed v5.9.3759 Beta on May 4, 2005

I like AOL IM, but this version is crap. It's bloated, with tons of unnecessary features and excess "prettiness". I'm perfectly happy with AOL IM version 5.1 (build 3036) with DeadAIM 3.28 installed. Both are available at www.oldversion.com, last I checked.

iLLz reviewed v5.9.3759 Beta on May 3, 2005

This version installs the AOL Browser. This runs 2 files at startup which uses up unneccessary resources. Uninstalling the AOL Browser will fix this. It still is bloatware and I recommend trillian instead.

wicketr reviewed v5.9.3759 Beta on May 3, 2005

Just like what happened to their full AOL software, this thing is getting more and more bloated with each release. Eventually people are going to start jumping ship (many already have).

The reason people started using this was:
A) They could talk to their AOL friends.
B) They didn't have to get the bloatware that is AOL.

This is now impossible with even their "thin client".

Let's see:
1. "Tab Browsing" - Is that referring to IM windows or webpages as the statement seems to refer to. :thumbsdown if it's the later because I have a webbrowser already that does this.
2. "Thumbnail Preview" - What the hell are people using an instant messaging app for??? This *could* (at best) be a good feature. But unnecessary for 90% of the user base.
3. "Search Box" - Again, I have a web browser and I use Google.
4. "Spy Zapper" - I already have AdAware and I'm sure it does a good job. AND IT DOESN'T NEED TO RUN EVERY "FEW MINUTES" TYING UP RESOURCES!!! OH MY GOSH!!
5. "Who Is Lookup" - Good utility for the morons out there. But isn't necessary for my install.

When they come out with a "thin" version of their "thin client", I might actually start using it again. Until then I'm going to stick with my old, old, old version.

Pipewrench reviewed v5.9.3759 Beta on May 3, 2005

What a crappy release.

Yeah.....even though you can choose "NOT" to install the adware, it still gets installed. It's bloated. Junk. That's too bad because 5.2 and earlier is great and it was just perfect.

It's obvious that they are doing just like MSN and ICQ and designing this stuff for 10-14 year old kids.

Looks like I need to stick with Trillian, GAIM, or something else.

I cannot stress enough that this software is JUNK JUNK JUNK!!!!

theheff reviewed v5.9.3759 Beta on May 3, 2005

The download is 8mb, at least 5 mb of this is pure adware. No reason to use AIM past version 5.2.

lilmegz reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on May 3, 2005

I like the interface that I see from the screenshot. I just hope they fix all the bugs that I have heard about b4 they release the final version, other than that, looks great!

For a list of known issues, visit the product's homepage.

beth reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 29, 2005

I was hoping to see an open standards protocol, specifically SIMPLE, under the hood in this beta but no such luck. I could handle the ads if we were stepping away from the closed network. These guys [AIM, MSN, Skype, Yahoo] could take some lessons from ineen.com. It may be clunky today but at least it provides s himmer of hope that open standards may actually prevail.

razdigital reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 27, 2005

missing alot of components that AIM 5.9 had like the typing function that comes up when the other person is typing. Another thing that ticked me off is the icon on the taskbar. It doesn't shut down even when you close the main windows. I liked the user interface though.

strentax reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 27, 2005

I like the fact the AIM is taking a step in the right direction. The interface it currently has is dated and is not up to speed in comparison to other clients that are available (Trillian, DeadAIM, GAIM, the list goes on).

I rated it low because so far, all of these "omg new features" have been done already, with such clients as listed above. A big company like AOL should be able to do this and more, or in a better way; the execution I see here is poor, and sadly as it is now I wouldn't switch from my current client (it's been tabbing for years now!).

I realize this is a beta. But if all they do is get everything functional, and improve memory usage, but leave the interface the same and only clean it up a bit, it's not going to be anything groundbreaking. I wish it luck.

beanman101283 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 27, 2005

Well, it has a lot of potential. I like the new colors and look. Tabbed windows are awesome. And the one translucent effect i saw with a person's info was cool. Now it doesn't seem to want to do it a second time, but hey, the capability is there.

But i have the bug too where the tabs disappear behind white. Also, when i had the About window open, when i would press enter to send an IM, it inserted a new line instead. Once i closed the About window, IMs send like normal when i press enter.

I think this will be a good program once it's finished.

jordenpro reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 27, 2005

I've been using AIM from day one, same with AOL. This is a huge step for the AIM client software, over the years we've seen AIM equipt with spyware and annoying features, but these can be easily taken care of. For the average user Trillian is okay to use for you AIM, however, for those of us who search for a more secure way of messaging, AIM offers support for encrpyted chat using a certifcate from verisign. This is far more advance than trillian can handle, MSN, and all other chat clients. Not to mention the exploits against trillion we've all seen in the pass, but their are tons of IM malware/viruses ciculating the IM world.

This new revamp of AIM, will be great, I can hardly wait for the latest features. On the "adaware" not, I think MSN is the leader in that race, Atleast when I install windows I don't have AIM icon locked on my desktop, having to use a registry hack to remove it, MSN sure knows how to lockdown the IM market.

I suggest waiting for the final release, do some research and see what they have to offer.

theK42 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 27, 2005

It's a beta, it's not perfect. It doesn't support all the features of regular AIM yet. The new tabbed stuff isn't for everyone, and not everyone will like the new look and feel.

It is ad supported, but if you don't like using ad supported software, you shouldn't be on the AIM network at all. They're offering a free service in exchange for looking at advertisements, if you don't like ads, you can go join AOL and pay for it.

I haven't seen any of the animated ads with sound yet, but I don't doubt they're still here. Weatherbug is gone.

File transfers and pictures aren't in yet, buddy icons don't seem to work, and it has a lame animation everytime you send or recieve a standard :) smiley. Custom smileys like the animated hearts supported in recent AIM versions do not work.

It's also kinda slow and ugly in places.

Don't download it now to replace your current AIM client. Just download it if you want to see what they're up to.

noredspoon reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 27, 2005

mynameisdougb-- adware does not equal spyware.

This definitely IS adware, since even in the screenshot, you can see an ad, prominently placed. Annoying the crap out of everyone like always.

mynameisdougb reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

cooldude7273, I think you just proved to us all how cool you are. If you had read the article, you would have seen that they did not include the adaware with the beta, and they won't include it.

"Dropping a much-maligned practice, third party add-ons such as WeatherBug will not be bundled with the new AIM client."

I like where AIM is going with this honestly, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I know their are those of you who hate AIM, but it seems as if they are making an honest approach to make AIM better. I have been using AIM ever since version 4.8, which has probably been 3 or 4 years ago, and so far it has basically been just feature updates, but now they are finally dishing us out a new user interface. The program never crashed on my computer like it did on other computers, but I would notice it would lock up when you first sign on, for about the first two minutes, but after that everything went pretty smoothly.

This has been one of the most anticipated beta releases for me in the past year or so, so I am excited to see all of the old features be programmed into this and be used with all of the new features

EDIT:

Sorry, I misread the comment below, i thought it said "ad-aware" not adware

cooldude7273 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

Adware = crapware. Don't use this! Get other free alternatives like Trillian or GAIM. Just don't use this!

surfbum4fun reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

i would not put this software on any of my systems.i use gaim, kopete and trillan for my aol im.i just hook up to there servers through the three im's that i use.

Neoprimal reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

OK...for the record...the program works fine on my machine. But, then again I have a mid-end machine, an Athlon64 3400 running at 2.3GHz and 1gigabyte of ram. Those running low-end PCs that need to be thrown out ASAP, follow the advice of the users here that are reporting that the program is slow or uses any significant amount of resources. Finally - THIS IS A BETA. For all intensive purposes, we're all testing the thing and should not be harshly critical for that reason.
What you should be reviewing is the look and feel and the 'intended' featureset. Finally, if you don't like 'pretty' then go with some hackjob program or hashup of what's out there - gaim or deadaim or some other crap like that...get it, stick with it and leave the AOL IM client reviews for people WHO LIKE THEM....
Now for the review:
The program works nicely and the new look will please those that are into that smoothed, colored, polished look. It doesn't use up all that much resources (especially compared to loading the full AOL client) but can use considerable resources depending on how many conversations you have going simultaneously. So far, the featureset seems to be similar to older clients' offering but the program is slightly more defined, streamlined and has a nicer feel to it...kind of like Yahoo's IM client. I've had one crash with the program so far, I chalk that up to it being beta (and me having about 10 chat windows going).
I would say anyone who actively uses the AIM 5.x clients go ahead and try this - once you know what beta testing is all about.

justinb reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

a nice beta. really, you should only use this if you just want to see what the new aim will look like, feel like.. you can't really do anything important with it yet like file transfer etc... but it seems like it will be nice in the future.

Nikkie reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

It needs to use less resources but eh it's beta . Looks good and they finally took away all that junk we didn't need on the i.m . I'm sure an ad hack program will be out soon .

jpmccord reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 26, 2005

Can we say "bloatware"? Say it with me now: "bloatware"! I don't like pretty; I like simple. I don't like unnecessary features like all these add-ons and visual customizations and tabs...

I'm sticking with AIM 5.1 with DeadAIM 3.28. This is not worth the upgrade at all. No version since 5.1 has been, in fact.

Tokar reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 25, 2005

Boy I hope this isn't AIM 6.0...

This is the slowest product to connect to the AIM network... (that includes AIM 5.X, AIM 4.X, Trillian, GAIM, IM2, Miranda, etc.)

The IM windows are terribly slow. Every tab opens slow, trying to type is like pulling teeth.
For the most part, i cant even type. I have to copy and paste what I want to write.

FYI: Currently, Games, Pictures and File Transfer is not built in...the tabs are there, but it says it will be there in the future. The only thing that is built in is Talk...

Current memory usage:
AOLServiceHost.exe: Mem Usage: 51,816 K, VM Usage: 44,212 K and increasing...

Since AIM AdHack isnt out for this, say hello to buddy list Ads again.

At least they got rid of those junky bars no one uses.

The way the contacts now appear is nicer...but the buddy list is terrible slow as well. When first getting online, loading the online and offline buddies is a pain too.
There are at least some new options that let you customize the buddy list unlike AIM 5.x.
There is the ability to sort by Group name, as well as by buddy name. There is also aliasing...and the ability to have those names show in the buddy list or not.

The IM window is tabbed by default.
What is really nice is that when you first open an IM with someone it shows all the information that you would normally see when you view smoeone's profile (except for the actualy profile of course). Info like E-Mail, and Phone...so now there seems to be some more use to manually adding a person's email and phone number...

My god...im sorry, but I'm using the client while I write this review and finding stuff to write about...that requires USING the client. I am getting so pissed about how SLOW this is. Nothing is opening and i cant even talk to anyone without copy-pasting what i want to say.

The settings window is just as slow as the IM windows...its not even funny.
From the way it looks, other than redoing the IM windows completely and adding aliases and tabbed IM windows, there is nothing really that new. Sure the settings window was redone as well, and it looks all nice, but its all the same options as previous AIM versions...

Recommendation:
If you want to just see what the next generation AIM looks and feels like, this is good for a good 10 minute test.
But there is NO way i would recommend anyone use this as their main AIM client. Its way too slow...and hell, I can't even get IM to be sent OR received (i signed onto regular AIM 5.X with a second screenname and tried messaging the AIM beta client, and the AIM beta client shows no new messages).

laxmiddi44 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 25, 2005

This program will hopefully be good.

Right now it has tabs of each buddy on the left when you are talking to more than one person.The problem is, is that for some reason you cant the tabs on the right they are just white so u have to blindy guess where each buddy is. so thats a huge bug, which soon will hopefully be fixed. Also you cant view peoples profiles. Or make your own. It LOOKS GREAT. But lacks every feature a im software should have. So until they add all the features this thing is a POS.

Mike162005 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 25, 2005

I am using it. And yes it is buggy, I mean it is the first Beta for gods sakes. But so for I give it a 5, at least it doesn't kick me off!

dotx3 reviewed v0.1.12 Beta on Apr 25, 2005

Its um... promising

This version of AIM addresses issues found in AIM 5.9. The only thing is, it is so unusable that it is not worth trying.

For starters, they have removed blocking and closing the window and automatic login... so you can not block anyone (or keep anyone you have blocked, blocked), you can not exit the window and still have chats with people, and every time you launch AIM, you need to type in your username and password, a tedious task.

Maybe 0.2 will be better...
Firefox 0.1 was great, I wish AIM Triton could be - it has huge potential!

edm917 reviewed v5.9.3702 on Jan 26, 2005

I used to rate AIM higher, but it's going downhill. Features feel slapped on willy-nilly. I like sharing files via IM, and imeem is a much better solution. I wish they'd release it for all users.

whiteout13 reviewed v5.9.3690 Beta on Sep 12, 2004

Stick with AIM 5.5 or trillian.

k3of4 reviewed v5.9.3690 Beta on Sep 7, 2004

I agree, this program is getting out of hand with the rubbish. I don't really like the freeware AIM replacements out there either, though. So I guess I'll stick with old versions for now...

westonc reviewed v5.9.3690 Beta on Sep 3, 2004

Too bloated. Go with something like Gaim.

dan3413 reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 15, 2004

I have always enjoyed AIM because it has been rich in functionality/features, yet not filled with all kinds of extra junk programs/toolbars that you cannot remove. I was a little shocked/concerned when the last full release included Weatherbug & WildTangent, but you could at least select to not install. With this new version, they have included all of kinds of extra BS, that you have little or no option to remove! DO NOT INSTALL THIS UPGRADE! I actually ended up going back to the previous release. My guess is they are trying to make money with these additional programs somehow...frustrating!

Jstphish reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 12, 2004

Yes AIM has memory problems but it does work well and definitely has a better interface (and is more configurable) than MSN by FAR. I personally like Miranda best (when it connects). Yes this is hard to use without using AIM Ad Hack or a similiar application.

SFAMonkey reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 12, 2004

Every Day the just make this program junker. I switched to GAIM cause AIM a mem hug and it just stinks. And Aol gonna want you to pay for buddy icons. Is the bull or what? Well it GAIM for me or msn (if I could get all my friends to switch and that won't happen in a long time.

BladeZero reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 12, 2004

This is becoming to be bloatware and badware haha also blahware.

The only thing that could redeem this release is when the developers of Aim Ad Hack fix is released correcting it of spyware and adware.

It will surely bump this up an extra 4 notches....but AOL has to do something on their side and start junking their programs like they did with AOL in times long before us. It was already decided at conception for the AOL internet client to be junkware, the only thing valuable in their product line is AIM and ICQ which are now dead basically as LegitimateWare as other clients show how not to problemize their progs. Aim Ad Hack is 'THEAIM' as of since they built their first release. 1 rating for this prog, but 5 for the great coders at Cuban-Aftermath Software.

Neoprimal reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 11, 2004

Pretty good stuff. If you have a low or underpowered doorstop of a PC, then you may not want to use AIM 5.9, as it brings across many of the features of the AOL 9 browser.
If you're just in the market for some mindless fun in your IMMING software and don't CARE about resources or the fact that the program does rely on brining banners (not malicious adware) to your sight, then definately get it.
It's as powerful as the rest but the main difference is, this connects you to the world that is AOL and unlike fun-free stuff that's 'get to business' like gaim and such, AIM brings you alot more 'looks' and features. I have a little 1800 XP with 512 megs of ram and I have NO problem running this with like 30 other programs.

InSuboRdiNaTioN reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 11, 2004

AIM is horrendous memory hog and chock-full of worthless features, while lacking the basic essentials (such as offline messaging).

My first IM client ever was ICQ, over 5 years ago. That ICQ (98 I believe) was a superior messaging client compared to today's AIM. How is AIM so far behind?

Overall, a worthless and horribly coded piece of crap. Unfortunately, AOL's dominance (which is diminishing, thankfully) in the ISP market shoved AIM to the forefront of IM clients. But if AIM stays on it's current course, it will die a slow death to the alternative clients.

GoodThings2Life reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 10, 2004

Although I've consider AOL to be a "minion of Satan" since they hit the 4.0 AOL-Client marker so long ago, AIM has always been an almost required tool for anyone serious about Instant Messaging. For that reason alone, I do keep a copy of AIM, however, I do NOT recommend it.

As stated by others, and most notably in the 5.5.x AIM lineup, AIM has become bloated and nearly worthless in terms of practicle improvements.

MSN Messenger is my personal preference and recommendation. It's faster, simpler, and better "featured".

I have not tried Trillian or Yahoo, so I can't "diss" them, but AIM has become complete garbage for reasonable use.

deviantATTILA reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 10, 2004

Over the past year, AIM has become a very bloated piece of software. From its humble beginnings (and that's a streatch considering it's AOL), it has grown into a monolithic beast. I do not recommend installing an updates prior to 5.5.3595. I don't even recommend AIM at all, instead, try Trillian, and Trillian Pro is well worth the price for piece of mind and extensibility (none of which you'll have with AOL/AIM).

bangbang023 reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 10, 2004

I am a HUGE AIM advocate, but this release is horrific. The UI seems unfinished and wastes so much space. I really hope they clean it up majorly before the next release.

bluemomentbass reviewed v5.9.3672 Beta on Aug 10, 2004

This beta should also contain the patch fix for the away message security flaw.

http://www.infoworld.com...8/09/HNaolimflaw_1.html

terry12591 reviewed v5.5.3599 on Jul 2, 2004

This program has always been perfect..I use it everyday! I wouldnt recommend anything else but this!

If you want to message me my screenname is terry12591

micronix reviewed v5.5.3599 on Jul 1, 2004

For the past few years, AIM's directory search 'find a buddy by common interest' has been broken. It displays a cluster of 100 names in alphabetical order, most of which are offline. I called AOL to ask about this, but they refused to answer questions about AIM and tried to sign me up for AOL, stating that they strictly do not support AIM.

GoodThings2Life reviewed v5.5.3599 on Jun 16, 2004

I hate AOL. They are considerably more evil than MSFT could ever dream of.

I don't like AIM either... it's bloated, and complicated, and it has very lousy default options.

However, I do appreciate that at least it gives a choice now with the spyware crap (even though the default is YES).

It was also much to my pleasure downloading 3599 build to find out that it no longer ate up 15-25MB of RAM but instead only ate 6-7MB. I haven't seen AIM memory use since early 5.0/5.1/5.2 builds.

Aaron

Noldster reviewed v5.5.3599 on Jun 15, 2004

i love it how they dont display a changelog. meh anyway time for aim ad hack to be updated =)

contranj reviewed v5.5.3595 on Jun 6, 2004

i don't like this program at all. i'd use miranda in a second if i could see away messages with it, the only positive feature in aim is the fact that everybody in the world is on it.

greatpotato reviewed v5.5.3591 on Apr 20, 2004

I like the fact that they listened and made the components optional. It shows they aren't totally out to make a buck and screw the users in the process. As for it taking 27mb of RAM...mine only takes 7mb with two linked screenames...you might want to reboot or something.

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.5.3591 on Apr 20, 2004

nothing I can see changed again that I can see so same score for same resions :)Neoprimal: yea I agree the aim.com reseting itself is a minor issue and thats why i'm not changing my 3 stars just for this. However it is a matter of common sence. If I said I wanted it off before it should respect this setting and leave it off. Yes is simple to go turn it off again but I feel I should not have to turn it off again and again and it is just as easy for them to check it;s status from previos installs and respect the setting.

Neoprimal reviewed v5.5.3590 Beta on Apr 16, 2004

Some of you obviously did not really download and install the program. Wildtangent and Weatherbug are OPTIONAL in this build, which brings AIM back to it's core IM programming (mostly). It did not reset anything on my system to aim.com, and as selected it also did not install WT or WB, it actually removed my WT. My only gripe is that it checks for the aim today window to popup, but that takes what? 3 seconds to uncheck? So I won't be a haggard b#$ch and complain for complaining sake.
Give the program a try, is my suggestion and a 5 for finally making WT optional!

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.5.3590 Beta on Apr 15, 2004

nothing realy seems changed from this build and the last so my score remains the same. As per norm it did reset aim.com to show when I login however and this kinda annoyed me again. Still no change in the score due to this.

tasty reviewed v5.5.3590 Beta on Apr 15, 2004

5.5.3590 beta adds everyone's favorite weatherbug and wildtangent components... aim is now just about as bloated as icq got, maybe they can rescue themselves with a 'lite' version.

aim.exe is now using 27,245K of memory -- more than explorer.exe.

jtopping reviewed v5.5.3590 Beta on Apr 14, 2004

What is the release notes for the new version? The latest stable has the ability to remove the spyware crap, which is 5 stars in my book!

slipkbomb reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 10, 2004

pst dont compare that crap with yahoo msg..have some respect here now. yahoo messenger is the best one so far..no stinky add in the messenger makes it look good and not annoying like MSN is now.with that fockin add they have at the botton..for AIM use DEADAIM thatll be your FIX up you stinky -AIM-AOL user'S

eXtraPerformance reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 9, 2004

If AOL would make AIM like they do the built in Instant Messenger in AOL, then they might get somewhere. I also think AOL does get a little bad publicity. I bet some people write reviews and they haven't used it since after v.X came out and there wasn't a big change.

As for me, I'll stick to using the AOL client until they do fix AIM up. I will admit that MSN Messenger is better.

jon8rfc reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 8, 2004

Oops, I'm a moron, 1 star rating..."kids these days" still applies to him/her though ;)

xer0 reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 8, 2004

yea, pretty much what you all guys said. I dont like it.
The last good version (in my opinion) is 4.4.2286.
I dont like all these addons and what not.... Does anyone still use ICQ?

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 8, 2004

MSN is WAY worse then AIM. Like BIG TIME worse... But we wont go into that here... :). While it is good AOL finaly made it an option to not install the weather thing and the wild tangent games thing there is still a few fatal flaws in the once great AIM. #1) Less major: it still plasters those damn join AOL icons all over the place. Thats not cool. #2) annoying: Every time you install a new build of aim it unchecks the g** d*** aim.com popup option so you have to go turn it off again. It should remember your prteffrence and not try to force a change. 3#) MAJOR ISSUE: Ever sence the last half dozen or so builds AIM had installed this wierd video format thingy so it can play ads that are movies. This can and has cuases seveare system crashes if you already have a video or TV program running when you start AIM. It happens alot with WinDVD and sometimes with Zoom Player and there is a 100% chance of a crash if you are using DScaler when aim starts. This video thingy will start every time aim connects not just the first start. So you can be watching a movie/tv program in full screeen not paying attention to aim and if there is any error in your conection aim will disconect and then reconect and the second it reconects it can and proly WILL lock your computer. This is a VERY critical flaw in AIM and is the resion I mostly stoped using it and told all my friends to go use WASTE :). Last time I reviewd AIM I gave it 2 stars but sence they have shown some effort in not forcing spyware I will give them a bonus this time.

cees2000 reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 8, 2004

i dont'get it.......... what's nice about this? The looks? The features? Damn..... use msn instead!!

bangbang023 reviewed v5.5.3588 Beta on Apr 8, 2004

They finally made the spyware (Wildtangent and the new Weatherbug) a completely optional install. The app overall is very solid and, with DeadAIM, specifically for tabbed IM's, it is perfect.

cooldude7273 reviewed v5.5.3583 on Mar 16, 2004

AIM is an okay client, but it's no doubt the ungliest one with horrible options. It only has 16 possible emoticons all of which are ugly. The file transfer isn't nearly as good as that of MSN's. Most importantly, Wild Tangent (which is the gameing system that installs with AIM) is considered by many (like Ad-aware) to have spyware! Stay away from AIM!!

war593122 reviewed v5.5.3583 on Mar 16, 2004

Wost im in the world. Keeps getting worst and worst. Maybe aol should sell it. haha

NinjaOfLove reviewed v5.5.3583 on Mar 16, 2004

AIM has degenerated completely. I either use 4.7 or GAIM. I never liked Trillian, it's a bit overkill for my needs.

The program is getting more sluggish, less secure, loaded with adware, and loaded with all kinds of "features" that look great to a 13-year old Limp Bizkit fan "THAT TYPES LYKE DIS".

They've taken a killer app and made a bloated joke of it, in standard corporate form.

eXtraPerformance reviewed v5.5.3583 on Mar 16, 2004

If AOL would fix it up like the IM client in AOL, then they might get somewhere. As an AOL user, I don't think that we should have ads. We pay too much to have ads in AIM. The only reason I have AIM is that I don't want to have the whole AOL client running in the background while I'm surfing the web. I really don't see much in this that differs from 5.2

romeo45 reviewed v5.5.3583 on Mar 16, 2004

AIM has sucked for a while now, i was using gaim which isn't bad, now i moved to trillian, if you have a good computer it will work great. I like how trillian implements XML, download emule and search for trillian 2.012 its the pro version much better and there are a ton of cracks to make it work. i'll Never go back to AOL

CyberInferno reviewed v5.2 on Feb 25, 2004

As a javascript version of AIM, it's quite functional. The new interface is also much better than the highly text-based interface of the past. However, it still has sporadic connection difficulties. I sent a buddy two messages that were simply not received. Until this crucial server bug can be worked out, it's worth no more than a 3 rating.

bluefey reviewed v5.5.3572 on Feb 17, 2004

it sucks... they were trying to impersonate dead aim... but they got it so wrong... i hate it... i accidentaly upgraded from whatever i was using before with dead aim... and now dead aim wont work... and the aim im working now sucks... its one of the worst impersonations ive ever seen... im trying to figure out which number i was using before so i can go back to the way it was... if its not broken dont fix it... and even if it is... just create a patch dont create a whole new file which sucks...

LotR Nut reviewed v5.5.3572 on Feb 10, 2004

sukky sukky sukky sukky. this is horrible! I don't want 5.5 NEmor! i want 5.2 bakk!!!!! teh ganes r useless b/c mi firewall wont let me download the Java Virtual Machine and I'm not allowed to take it off! AND my profile is messed up! THIS is wat its supposed 2 look like :L-ight
E-legant
G-raceful
O-verwhelmingly cute
L-ovely looking
A-dorlable
S-weet

He's the:
bow twangin'
ass-kickin’
orc slayin’
hair braidin’
gravity defyin’
sharp shootin’
pointy-eared
brown-eyed
blue-eyed
hot-as-hell
Elf Prince of Mirkwood
~He is the Hottie of the Ring.

but it looks like THIS:L-ight
E-legant
G-raceful
O-verwhelmingly cute
L-ovely looking
A-dorlable
S-weet

He's the:
bow twangin'
ass-kickin
BR>orc slayin
BR>hair braidin
BR>gravity defyin
BR>sharp shootin
BR>pointy-eared
brown-eyed
blue-eyed
hot-as-hell
Elf Prince of Mirkwood
~He is the Hottie of the Ring.

I AM POed WITH 5.5!

Alien Venom reviewed v5.5.3572 on Feb 5, 2004

Yet again AOL tries to do too much with this client.

1. The entire GUI has been totally completely FUBAR since version 5.
2. The newly added buttons on the IM window are IMPROPERLY aligned, and it looks HORRIFIC.
3. The buddy list, now has MORE useless buttons.

I highly suggest, if you're looking for a decent IM client, try Gaim (open source) or Trillian (shareware).

Tidus41 reviewed v5.5.3572 on Feb 5, 2004

Sucks! Yes, I would agree that AOL is going downhill with there AIM client. It's bloated/clunky/ugly/uninteresting. The games themeself is worthless... Another reason to hate AOL.

animeusa reviewed v5.5.3572 on Feb 5, 2004

AOL has really gone downhill as far as their AIM client goes. It's the most basic out of the major IM players. AOL has even added audio ads that can scare the livin' daylights out of you when you are not expecting it. AIM is just too bloated. AOL is trying to improve AIM by adding games, screen name linking, and webcam support. A step in the right direction, although poorly executed.

I recommend using GAIM or Trillian to communicate with AIM/AOL users.

viserov reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Feb 3, 2004

Outdated interface that may have worked well 5 or 6 years ago. Even the final releases are buggy. AOL needs to get with the times when it comes to AIM.

NinjaOfLove reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 23, 2004

If I could use old versions without being forced to upgrade AIM would be my number 1 IM choice. Now I won't let it touch my computer. GAIM all the way here.

Adidas1532 reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 23, 2004

they were doing great by adding some cool features -- until they started releasing 5.5 updates. i haven't had any want to go past 5.2 yet. also, if you look at the buddy list screenshots, as the version goes up, the amount of space which you can actually use (without any add on programs) to look at your buddy list goes WAY down. without deadaim or middle_man, i don't know how i would be able to stand using aim on a daily basis.

ScottNY845 reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 23, 2004

Sorry, mistake on my screen name so I re-posted.

I am having a problem using the VIDEO and the TALK and the GAMES. We are both behing a LINKSYS firewall, but we have put the computers outside the DMZ and still not able to use the above mentioned. Anyone else having these problems and if so, did you fix it? Let me know... Thanks: Scott AIM: Scott6020 ICQ#: 27993825

beatstriken reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 22, 2004

ANYONE know how to KICK your own screen name remotely???? I hate when i forget to sign off at work and i'm on at 2 places. Anyone know how to do this? since aim doesnt allow you to kick yourself off simply by signing on.

Tidus41 reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 22, 2004

I like AIM alot, its my default client.. But, the interface was just so dam ugly.. and now with these fruity game buttons, the ugly, just got uglier.

bscabl reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 22, 2004

new version of aimadhack... http://aftermath.dyndns.org/aolhack

also released NON beta version, for those who dont like beta's

enjoy...

Verdauga Greeneyes reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 22, 2004

Crap or no crap, I still like AIM. Anyway the one thing that makes this BETA interesting to me is that you can once again disable AIM Today :)

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 22, 2004

Fixes many bugs from the last version. Disable sound when away no longer disables sound accross the board. Problem with IM toolbar changing from green, red, and yellow at random fixed. Option to disable aim today (now aim.com)restored. AIM is still going down hill but it has slowed a bit with this release :)

faux reviewed v5.5.3553 Beta on Jan 22, 2004

I still use the AIM service as my major method of communication. I can no longer stand the actual AOL AIM software, however, and stick to Miranda IM. It is extremely small and light weight, however the draw back is that it does not support OSCAR yet (I don't use the direct connect and other features much anyway). It's a minimalist client. I would recommend Trillian to those who want something more flashy, with more of the features. I'm disappointed that AOL is "bloating" up the AIM software. It would be very nice to have the option to opt out of the game displays that litter everywhere in the least. I also agree that the multiple user login from different locations frightens me. I much prefer having the other user get kicked off when I log on from another location. I would like to see AOL add more functionality as opposed to flash and advertising. Perhaps multi-tabbed IM window arrangement? There are quite a few good ideas that third party add-on software are incorporating. Pity that AOL has not yet taken any incentive to learn from this.

spiffyjeff reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Jan 4, 2004

COTOBH
listen, people are supposed to complain about bugs in beta versions so that the programmers know what to work with. Also notice that the complaint of bugs came from many 4-5 star reviewers. The people complaining are those who are tired of aim becoming more and more bloated, such as adding the skinning feature.
Those who would like to try something different, check out http://fileforum.betanew...earch=gaim&what=all
it's compatible with AIM, I've messed around with it a little, it lacks some neat features AIM has but it also has features aim lacks, such as ignoring otheres' font colors,sizes, and background colors. Gaim is compatible with AIM's file transfer too. built in logging, highlihting of misspelled words for those formal chats. Those are only some of the features. It's said to be compatable with: AIM, ICQ, MSN, IRC, Yahoo, and Jabber.

COTOBH reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 17, 2003

ok first off to every1 who is dissing this BETA... its a BETA!! do u know what the hell is a Beta is? its a testing version! of course there r going to bugs in it! and about the damn aim today window, bscabl covered how to disable it pretty well i think cuz it worked for me. so thank u for that bscabl. now to all u s*** heads out there that continue to make fun of aim, there is nothing wrong with aim, every program has a beta and every program has bugs, once this beta becomes a final release it'll be the s***!

BillBraskey reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 15, 2003

icqangels, I would rather PAY for something than have it include spyware so shut the hell up.

RoadWarrior reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 11, 2003

To the last poster... did you bother to search the help file for "video"? It says to open a chat window with someone and click on the video button at the bottom. What's so hard about that??

VictorAnderson reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 11, 2003

Ok so how the hell do you use the video chat? Don't see settings for it anywhere. As far as the "wildtanget" thing goes...HELLO read what it says during the install you don't have to install it! Still gets a 2 from me though cause no documentation on the video chat and the &#)(*@)(*@ giant banner ad at the top of it. If anyone knows how to get the video chat to work please let me know or I'm deleting this thing. (again)

icqangels reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 11, 2003

You know it really IS sad what you Internet users has become, you yell spyware, you expect to get handed the world for FREE, GROW UP!!! the least you can do to get to use a program like AIM is to give the creators a little statistics of who is using their software, so get REAL no one NO ONE sits down and program a piece like AIM for maybe 10.000 hours and then just hand it over to you for free.

mrp- reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 10, 2003

I use AIM 4.8.2790, the last good version.

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 10, 2003

I have been a loyal AIM users sence pretty much day one. However i'm not official geting sick of AOL's $#!?.

Problem #1) Multiple location login is about as annoying as can be and is a HUGE secerity hole.

Problem #2) They removed the option to turn off AIM Today

Problem #3) There is now a bug in AIM where if you turn on "Disable sound while away" it will disable sounds regardless of if your away or not.

Problem #4) The once simple and appealing interface of AIM has become bloted to all hell. If i'm going to use something thats bloated it'll be ICQ thank you...

From my normal 4-5 star ratings down to 2... Damn AIM has lost it;s way...

bscabl reviewed v5.5.3501 Beta on Dec 10, 2003

they disabled the ability to disable the 'aim today' window on login via the GUI in this version... to disable...open regedit navigate to currentuser/america online/aol instant messanger/current version/users/'yourscreenname'/misc and click showaimtodaywindow change the value to 0...

to disable ads http://aftermath.dyndns.org/aolhack [i will have the hack for this version up in a few minutes...]

lanena0307 reviewed v4.0 Beta Build 030729 on Nov 6, 2003

its great

xtool reviewed v5.5.3415 Beta on Oct 21, 2003

Oh God. If they add anymore stuff on AIM, it's going to explode! The ONLY bug I've found are them useless features. Sorry but it's worst then a 1.

BillBraskey reviewed v5.5.3415 Beta on Sep 26, 2003

I am suprised that no one has noted that aim is now bundled with SPYWARE (WildTangent) Check for yourself, scan it or do some research. This just goes to show the brain capacity of people who use aim. The fact that this ugly, bloated, ad ridden pile of junk has a 4.5 rating makes me want to vomit. All of the main instant messaging programs are all nervous now with the wave of worm attacks and they seem to be shutting out the generic clients one by one, so maybe this is a prime oportunity to convince your friends to expand their digital minds and move on to jabber. Theres a ton of clients for jabber and a ton of servers. Cross communication baby...stick it to the commie clients. I will admit that yahoo messenger is great for its features even though the software sucks. Get yourself a good multi im client that supports jabber in case of shut outs...trillian, miranda, psi..etc and a copy of yahoo messenger with ytunnelpro and your set. AIM is horrible, ICQ died a long time ago and msn is well umm just msn. SAY NO TO SPYWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.5.3415 Beta on Sep 25, 2003

the games stuff is annoying but it;s still the same old simple aim I like. Trilian will be disconected from AIM permanent eventualy so get used to using plain simple aim people

franzj reviewed v5.5.3415 Beta on Sep 25, 2003

Trillian is way ahead of AOL IM. I tried to switch to AOL IM and MSN Messenger, but both clients suck compared to Trillian. These two companies will need to dramatically improve their IM clients to convince me to switch back.

Francis

dzjepp reviewed v5.5.3415 Beta on Sep 25, 2003

I prefer Trillian Pro 2.0 I tried Miranda IM but I don't know what the big deal is, it's an average client IMO, not much better than Trillian. The biggest downside to Miranda was that I could NOT find a decent skin for it, everything was just plain terrible. Trillian skinning is superb.

miensoja reviewed v5.2.3292 on Aug 7, 2003

Insaneses I think I have the same problem but only when I try to follow a link through AIM. For example clicking on hyperlink in an aim profile will crash me, I tested it by putting www.google.com in my profile and then clicking on it, sure enough it froze and crashed. Even when I try to use the link in the help menu to report a bug it will crash me. Does anyone else have a problem with this versio of AIM?

allain reviewed v4.0 Beta Build 030729 on Aug 6, 2003

It does not work for you because you have enabled pop-up blocking. Make sure you add the beta.aimexpress.aol.com domain to the exclusion list...

insaneses reviewed v5.2.3292 on Aug 6, 2003

I love instant messanger, but ever since the beta, even the final (when they added the support for encryption) It crashes on me! I have submitted a bug report well over a month ago. Sometimes it will start up for a while, and run fine for a few, then crash! ;( Then won't start back up at all. Sigh.

hustla reviewed v4.0 Beta Build 030729 on Aug 6, 2003

nice and stuff but why don't these dopes support their own browser? i am running netscape 7.1 and no go as of now.
not too smart

ggordonliddy reviewed v5.2.3292 on Aug 5, 2003

It looks like 5.2.3292 fixes the %s Away message bug, so it's a good thing.

cooldude7273 reviewed v5.2.3292 on Aug 5, 2003

Love the program but whats up with all of these updates?

fruityjunkie reviewed v5.2.3290 on Aug 2, 2003

Ah, I see they have a bug with there wsprinf routine. I misread you statement. I must have been overtired or something. Maybe I will post a patch to resolve this issue until AOL takes care of it.

miensoja reviewed v5.2.3290 on Aug 2, 2003

%n duh, hmmmm....NO! I'm talking about when you receive away messages ok say I'm away and someone IMs me on my side it loks like this:

myscreenname: auto-response from %s (message)

so no you cannot do anything with %n here. It's just a bug in this new version.

golbex reviewed v5.2.3290 on Aug 1, 2003

What did they add in this version?... A new AOL icon for the desktop? Hmm... I'd like to try your patch, fruityjunkie. What's the e-mail?

Aristo reviewed v5.2.3290 on Aug 1, 2003

What is your email address? Also did you happen to make another patch for ICD to remove the ad?

styckx reviewed v5.2.3290 on Aug 1, 2003

This versions pretty pointless if you have the latest release... Still it's aim, it works and does as claimed.. Add DeadAim onto it and it's the best..

cooldude7273 reviewed v5.2.3281 on Jul 23, 2003

FYI: In this version they fixed the something with like the text, font size error or something

ggordonliddy reviewed v5.2.3277 on Jul 1, 2003

As for the Add-Ons feature, I think the default add-ons like Quake2 are mainly just examples. You can just add your own for the games you want to play. Personally I love the NetMeeting add-on, since it automatically connects you to your friends for a NetMeeting videoconference.

Zulithe reviewed v5.2.3277 on Jun 30, 2003

Betanews didn't mention that this is the first non-beta release of 5.2 (replacing 5.1 as latest version). Mmmmkay, few things about AIM. Seems like these days, most people use AIM whereas the majority were using ICQ about two or three years ago. AIM is simpler, slighly less bloated and you can talk to AOL users (but I guess ICQ can now do that) Some reasons I gave AIM a 3 are:
1) Too many ads and useless crap features that might be good if only AOL did it right. Example, the themes which now cost $$$$ (if you all didn't notice) what kind of bull$h!t is that?? And the Addons which are 100% useless since they haven't added a new game since Quake2 (talk about outdated). 2) AIM does not have native logging, and there are no longer any free alternatives (aim+ missing in action, deadaim now costing $$$) 3) Beginning to get outshined by new robust editions of MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, which both support logging, free themeing, and nicer emoticons. This is just the tip of the iceberg though. If I could convince more friends to stop using AIM I would dump it completely.
I have almost completely converted to Miranda IM (I suggest you all try this up-and-coming masterpiece!) which I would use full time if only it supported file transfer over the AOL protocol. Today they announced their new plans for Miranda 1.0 which is likely to be the ULTIMATE Instant Messagin client we've all been waiting for. www.miranda-im.org :)

zulugrid reviewed v5.2.3277 Beta on Jun 27, 2003

pplchamp: Microsoft Internet Explorer doesn't require me to type my password when using my security certificate. There isn't any legal requirements that says you have to type in a password to use a security certificate. It is just some dumb thing AOL has setup in AIM. Until they let you save your password so you don't have to keep typing it in, security certificates won't get popular with AIM.

pplchamp reviewed v5.2.3277 Beta on Jun 25, 2003

It requires a password because it has to. Once you set up your certificate, you're saying anything typed is typed by you. It's legal. It's your signature.

Now, what if someone logs in and it's not you, yet it's signed as being you. You're screwed. If you don't like the required password, remove your certificate. It's that simple.

cdaiger reviewed v5.2.3277 Beta on Jun 24, 2003

Anyone know how to make this send an SMS to your cellphone when you are away or idle?

CobraPL reviewed v5.2.3255 Beta on Jun 6, 2003

Jabber is much better than AOL and ICQ. See www.jabber.org
Why is better? For example becaouse clients of Jabber protocol support client-to-client assymetric OpenPGP encryption.

war59312 reviewed v5.2.3255 Beta on Jun 6, 2003

Forgot to say. Just one thing sucks about it. You have to type in your password three times now, if you don't wish to save it at AIM login. That kinda sucks, twice as it is, is enough allready. Anyways check out this screenshot I just took. Just so everyone know it does work, great at that! :)

http://www.access4cheap.com/~war59312/aim.PNG

davegod75 reviewed v5.2.3255 Beta on Jun 5, 2003

I think the encrypted im's is only for aim coporate users? unless someone can tell me otherwise how to get a certificate

ph33rda3mon reviewed v5.2.3255 Beta on Jun 5, 2003

looks the same as the last beta. Except for the encrypted aims. Anyone figure out how to setup an encrypted certificate?

crowbar reviewed v5.2.3139 Beta on Apr 8, 2003

can someone email me and tell me how to add ICQ friends???

EMAIL: adnan.k@netatonce.net

Zulithe reviewed v5.2.3139 Beta on Feb 19, 2003

I love AIM, I used to be a diehard ICQ user, but eventually swithed over. AIM is slowly bloating more and more, taking more and more memory, but overall it's still top dog. If only AOL would add a logging feature I would be VERY satisfied. But we do have DeadAIM for that, so not all is lost. If you're looking for an instant messaging client, you really can't go wrong with AIM, since a very large portion of the internet community use it over other clients.

abwolf reviewed v5.2.3139 Beta on Feb 18, 2003

the new offline sms sending option finally got me to upgrade from version 4 to 5. but i cannot set it up. i am in australia, and while the 'signup' page caters for international users, it has a number limit on it's phone number entry form, and my phone number is longer than this. hope they can fix this soon.

the program itself it up to the same standard as usual, but doesn't deserve full marks unless it adds logging (without having to use a third party addon)

zulugrid reviewed v5.2.3139 Beta on Feb 17, 2003

Awesome! You can now easily set it up so that if you are offline, it will show a cell phone next to your name and send your IMs to your cell phone via SMS. I don't see how a free SMS service is worthless...

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v5.2.3074 Beta on Jan 29, 2003

Is anyone else experincing the annoying send blank IM freeze? presing send accadently or ctrl+s sems to try to send the IM even with no text thuse resulting in the IM window locking up for several seconds to several minutes. if you get an IM from the person you accadently sent a blank IM to while it;s frozen it will unfreeze. still 5 stars cuz aim is cool :)

MrPuddles reviewed v5.2.3074 Beta on Dec 29, 2002

AOLIM is a decent client for IM, but it's not what it used to be. AOL is making the thing bloated and ugly looking. I'd suggest anyone tryout Trillian before they use AOLIM. I use AOLIM just to see/make color profiles. Make sure to use DeadAIM with this software... it will ease the eyes.

mikejd1 reviewed v5.2.3074 Beta on Dec 21, 2002

ive said it once, and ill say it again, wuit posting "retarded" builds AIM. Focus on real s***. Anyway, i still give it a 5 though. Best IM client out.

alkaboy reviewed v5.2.3074 Beta on Dec 20, 2002

The technology for great cell phone and instant messenger integration is there, yet the interface is extremely raw and unfinished. For example, mobile numbers are not connected to screen names in any way, and can be easily confused. I'd look for future betas of this version for a more clean, usable interface.

zulugrid reviewed v5.1.3030 Beta on Nov 13, 2002

I like the program except for the 3, yes 3, AIM shortcuts it put on my desktop, and the 1 it put on my quick launch bar. Adding ICQ users is easy: go to your buddy list setup and add a new buddy. Type in your ICQ friend's UIN and hit enter. It will ask you what you to nickname your friend (apparantly it doesn't grab the ICQ nickname..). Voila thats it.

markco reviewed v5.1.3030 Beta on Nov 12, 2002

How can I add a ICQ user to AIM ?
I tried searching for email or nickname ,also can't find any function it can add ICQ ppl to AIM.
did anyone can help?
thank you very much!

PhrostByte reviewed v5.1.3030 Beta on Nov 11, 2002

I figured it out. Sort of...
OK load AIM and ICQ.
Make sure your ICQ is set to "I must authorize users before they can add me to their lists" or whatnot.
Add your ICQ number to your AIM list.
Your ICQ will say "User wants to add you to their list."
Send that user a message.
Your AIM should pop up with your ICQ's message.

averyc reviewed v5.1.3030 Beta on Nov 11, 2002

Can anyone get the AIM to ICQ feature to work?

NULLedge reviewed v5.1.3028 Beta on Nov 7, 2002

Version Reviewed: 5.0.2916 Beta
Reviewed by: Jason5655
Date: August 22nd, 2002 7:47 PM

To your comments about cannot read from source. try logging off and logging back on. should fix the problem. it exists in even 4.x version of AIM.

zulugrid reviewed v3.0 Build 020812 on Nov 5, 2002

pretty good.. a quick, easily, install-less AIM so you can use it on comps where you don't have enough priveledges to install software.

andrey reviewed v5.1.3009 Beta on Oct 23, 2002

JeanDM ,
Just use DeadAIM to disable ads.

===========
> It's just like Mirabilis ICQ - it's full of
> ads and there are no great improvements. Use
> Trillian instead, the best alternative.

JeanDM reviewed v5.0.2916 Beta on Aug 28, 2002

It's just like Mirabilis ICQ - it's full of ads and there are no great improvements. Use Trillian instead, the best alternative.

PhrostByte reviewed v5.0.2916 Beta on Aug 23, 2002

The new typing indicator is a lot nicer because the icons don't flash anymore. It just keeps getting better and better :-D

Jason5655 reviewed v5.0.2916 Beta on Aug 22, 2002

Meinhart says:

> Be careful if you install this "update" and use your
> QuickLaunch. It adds another AIM icon to the QuickLaunch
> and refuses to let you remove the old one. I tried to
> delete the old one and it tells me "Cannot delete file:
> Cannot read from the source file or disk."

Meinhart, This is obviously a Windows bug that affects numerous installers... it's not an AIM bug. I see it in other cases as well when modifying desktop contents myself. Windows is not refreshing the desktop. Try hitting your F5 key to refresh the desktop or right-click the desktop and choose Refresh.

superjew reviewed v5.0.2892 Beta on Aug 7, 2002

when u couldnt resize it before , i got a small prog that let me to any size,but just squished the icons.....now that this is fixed, i think this is the best version out....the expressions r horrible,but u dont have to use them.,next i think i will put my own transparent pic,behind my list..

meinhart reviewed v5.0.2892 Beta on Aug 4, 2002

Be careful if you install this "update" and use your QuickLaunch. It adds another AIM icon to the QuickLaunch and refuses to let you remove the old one. I tried to delete the old one and it tells me "Cannot delete file: Cannot read from the source file or disk." I guess that means AO Hell is going to add a new icon to my QuickLaunch with every upgrade, so maybe by the time AIM 5.0 is final, I'll have 20 or 30 at the bottom of my screen. AOL Time Warner---cooking the books and your computer.

RVAwin2k reviewed v5.0.2892 Beta on Aug 2, 2002

Has AOL lost their minds??? Whats up with this... i certainly hope this isnt the future for AIM. It's going down hill just like ICQ, and ya wonder why... I give this program a 2 just because some newbies might like the skin feature

PhrostByte reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta Updated on Aug 2, 2002

New AIM beta version 5.0.2892 just released.
What's new?
Well the Options dialog looks kinda different.
And you can now resize AIM (yay! they actually listened to user's suggestions) In the first beta you couldn't resize AIM.

xtool reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta Updated on Aug 1, 2002

SKIN?????
Are they on crack? I like using AIM but not this version. Skinning is one thing but this is just more ads! Sorry but this version just went down hell for me. Should get a zero from me.

visionaire reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta Updated on Jul 31, 2002

For those complaining, why not try Trillian? It has very subtle things and support that AOL AIM may never have. Also, it is interoprable. Ah, just go and check it out.

The 5.X beta series of AIM as so far have frightened me. I don't believe that, just because someone else chooses a theme, that my message windows should expand to fill it with crappy, useless content. I'd rather use Trilly without ads, for free, and with better support.

kuritzaa reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 14, 2002

i hate this and am so dissaponted, then again this is just a beta first some things i like: new buttons, skins, and its not implemented yet but i can see that you can change the smilies!!!!!..now things i'm not liking, the ADVERTISING!!!!!!!! when will this stop....... its makin me mad. second it installed some other program, viewpoint and stuff, so basically i want hte skins to be availabel to the public for releasin and so you can edit them, i would like an unistall option to unistall a theme you dont want anymore, otherwise i think this shall be good

animecabbit reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 11, 2002

BTW, still the best IM proggie out there! =) ICQ is adware and bloatware. MSN IM is too intrusive in everything I do, so I refuse to use it. It also slows down my Outlook.

TheTester reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 11, 2002

I agree, a lot of these features are very long overdo. The skinning is definitely a cool feature, and will be really neat with a bit of fine tuning and some decent skinners. The overall new look of AIM (new buttons and everything) is really neat looking. Havn't noticed much change in memory usage on Windows 2000 1.3 TBird with 200 some meg of ram, so it can't be that bad. I'd really like to see these features make it to final build.

cdaledave reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 11, 2002

Uses 12 MB of RAM on my XP system -- bit heavy since previous versions were under 8, IIRC.

The skinnability is a nice feature that's long overdo, but this implementation isn't great. It adds bloat and is basically just advertisements.

AIM+ doesn't work yet with this beta. That'll be corrected soon by Big-O.

I'll be downgrading to a previous version.

bsf reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 11, 2002

I bumped on the net something called rAIM few months ago.. lost it though.. if anyone found it.. can you give me the link?

lilmegz reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 11, 2002

I love this new interface AOL put into it but I don't see the "Typing Indicator" or know what it even looks like. So if someone out there could tell me what it looks like. I would appreciate it very much! :)

visionaire reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

The interface is wholly ridiculous. It's just trying to leech and reap the benefits of other competitor's UI's (Trillian for example). It is hardly what I could call stable under Windows98, and the extreme memory footprint is enough to make me cry.

People, please, just use Trillian!

dmarino22 reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

Correction: No rate limiting while looking at user's info but does exist in IM's and chats.

GimieGimieGimie reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

Absolutely love this new release!

I don't agree with the stupid advertisment bar at the top, but DeadAIM v2.0 took care of that a few other problems ;)

AIM+ doesn't work very well with this release because AOL have worked on this release not to!

They get paid for them advertisments AIM+ removes ya know, you expect them to sit back and not do anything about it?

AIM doesn't take much resources that i can see, not enough to effect my daily working multi-media experience anyway!

AIM is especially excellent because it fully supports NAT, i am stuck behind a ISP hardware NAT, and can't do anything about it, and for people that don't know what a NAT is, then think about having a strict firewall that blocks nearly everything unless the owners of the service decide to configur it abit but don't bother because they don't even understand it :P

This release is better then the last combined with DeadAim in my opinion, AIM isn't my favourite IM though, Yahoo Messenger v5.0 is 1st in my books.

Kennywins reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

Blows...There is no need for half of the things in this program. Just a waste of RAM for a chat program...still waiting on a nice, lite, AIM solution.

ffmcobalt reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

If only the themes wouldn't bloat the size, it would be 100% better than 4.8 and the rest. The standard theme looks good as it is - I mean hey... it's only a chat program.

mrp- reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

Could be good... The "Username's Buddy List:" text above the list is pointless, and gets cut off unless you make the BL really wide. Part of the buddy list looks XP style, but the actual list looks like windows classic, or even a java applet with that black border. The "expressions" theme feature wasn't done correctly. First off, an image is put in the back of all IMs, this would look good if it were grayscale and the text background was transparent, but it's not, the text has a white background so it looks weird over the image. And the image on the side of the BL and IMs are just hidden banner ads, they serve no purpose and if you click them they take you to a sponsor site. They should do true skinning (being able to rearrange the locations of widgets in AIM would be great). Even if all of the above was fixed, I still wouldn't use it until it works with AIM+, but that's Big-O's problems to fix AIM+, not AOLs so that doesn't affect my rating.

jpk311 reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

wow...can you say Windows XP sellout? Let's see some AIM+ support, then I MIGHT want to use this version. I think the ideas are good, but they need to re-vamped a little. I'll give the guys at AOL a 3 for good effort.

andrey reviewed v5.0.2867 Beta on Jul 10, 2002

wow, this new version 5.0 is neat, I really like it! Having news stream in your buddy list instead of buddy names actually is pretty convinient. It somewhat reminds me of the MSN messanger with tabs, but if you choose any theme, it automatically removes ads :)

ditoa reviewed v4.8.2790 on May 31, 2002

Works great, with AIM+ (search FileForum) it is as good as MSN Messenger. Well worth 5 stars

MBeech reviewed v4.8.2790 on May 30, 2002

Well, now that AIM is working for me again, I give it a 4 (no logging). As for why we want logging? Well, I have accidently closed a window numerous times that had info I needed, an address or phone number for instance.

CGEY reviewed v4.8.2768 Beta on May 6, 2002

AIM has allways been good to me...
As for the logging... who are you people trying to set up.
Why so much baby crap about "logging". Most people i know log so they can send to others. so they can produce some form of online internet dram fight between others.
Also as for the add's you can remove them and its so simple. just a little edit of a file and renaming of another and "done" no more banner add's. Need more info: backup@yahoo.com

mikejd1 reviewed v4.8.2768 Beta on May 6, 2002

FInally! :)

patman reviewed v4.8.2646 Beta on Jan 24, 2002

I've been having problems with AIM since upgrading to XP Pro. Whenever I run it I get an error message saying Point of entry unknown, 'the procedure entry point DebugMemStats could not be located in the dynamic link library oscore.dll' Anyyone come across this error and/or know how to fix it? Compatability mode is a half-assed quick fix, the program crashes if you right click in a IM window.

catkabob reviewed v4.8.2646 Beta on Jan 11, 2002

Taken from their website: AOL recently learned of an issue when sending a Game invitation in its AOL Instant Messenger ™ software that could be exploited to compromise the security of an AIM user's PC. AOL has made changes to our instant messaging infrastructure to resolve the issue. Because these changes were made to the AOL infrastructure, all users automatically take advantage of the fix without the need of obtaining a patch or new client software.

tchdbyagl reviewed v4.8.2616 Beta on Dec 29, 2001

Most Practical Messaging Program not at Bulky as ICQ and slow as Trillian. It has very easy messaging. The only thing I wish that they would do is have it so you could go into invisible mode or have someone message you while you are offline that is the only thing that it really needs.

brn2bhrny1 reviewed v4.8.2616 Beta on Dec 20, 2001

You guys keep complaining about ads and the logging feature and refuse to update past that one stupid beta version. Quit whining and re-enable logging yourself, search the net for a logging hack, i use the latest beta (this one) and i made it so it has NO ADS, and LOGGING ENABLED.

HyoImowano reviewed v4.8.2614 Beta on Dec 19, 2001

AIM+ takes care of just about all the gripes, it's good stuff.

eddie reviewed v4.8.2614 Beta on Dec 19, 2001

Again, you cant really tell any new features until you get to the preferences option.. but the signon screen has changed.. plus they added a new logo on the buddy list.. Still the best...

djdanska reviewed v4.8.2614 Beta on Dec 19, 2001

Still a favorite. I am waiting for them to come out with some new features. Until then i stick with Trillian

jrottman reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Dec 13, 2001

If you are still waiting to upgrade from 4.4 because of the logging issue, the fix is here. I am just finally upgrading right now from 4.4 to 4.8, I am using a modification called Aim +, you can get it right here on file forum, it works great too. It takes out the adds, it brings back a improved version of logging, and a couple other features you can choose to use also. It runs flawlessy with Aim, so there is no need to worry. Just a little note, if anyone ever does need the old 4.4 verson of Aol, email me jrottman14@excite.com and I can get you a copy.

admiral-kirk reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 21, 2001

I haven't changed versions of AIM since I got ahold of v4.4.2286(Beta).. it even has built-in logging... and they took it out... I was pissed & never upgraded. =)

mrzootsuit reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 20, 2001

It just keeps getting more and more bloated. The best version I've used so far is 4.3.2229 along with DeadAIM. It provides everything you need to chat and transfer files, without the bulk. I mean who needs a button to send greeting cards?? sheesh!

kbpartay reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 20, 2001

Not really anything new in this version...alerts is something thats been done with other programs already, so no real surprise there. The only complaint I have is that I had to go back into aim.odl to re-remove the adverts again after the installation. If you absolutely must have the latest version number, then by all means download this...otherwise, I would pass.

eddie reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 19, 2001

The new "alert" feature can come in very handy.. It can send sports scores and weather alerts to your cell phone if your not on AIM at the time of the release.. and yes.. its all free.

xwtx reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 19, 2001

apparently this version still has that pesky AIM sound memory leak problem in XP that i and some other people are having. MS says its AOL's fault and AOL says XP has a problem... regardless,i'll just wait for the final.

dmg2001 reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 19, 2001

Too bad most of my friends are using this thing. MSN 4.5 is so much better and the features are great including instant alerts and webcamming withing messages. When is AOL going to catch up?

jkane001 reviewed v4.8.2540 Beta on Nov 19, 2001

What they call "alerts" are actually news briefs and weather briefs that you can have sent to you 2 times a day. They do not "alert" you of anything, such as breaking news or weather announcements. This is a useless feature to me...

Involuntary reviewed v4.7.2480 on Nov 19, 2001

I am sticking with 4.4.2286 until they put message logging back in and that feature is so important to me that it's worth four out of the five stars. 4.4.2286 is the last version to have logging that actually works.

kashirin reviewed v4.7.2480 on Nov 19, 2001

to fooooobar:
You can think whatever you want. But we worked closely with all antispam guys to produce completely legitimate mailing list management software. Yes we did some mistakes before but now it doesn't have any spam features but it has many features that prevent spamming - including complete support for double opt-in subscribe requests, handling unsubscribe requests and bounces, removing duplicates, reduces traffic and many others. Beleive me that spammers don't use our software because it doesn't forge headers, it doesn't use any stealth technologies and because it doesn't have any other spam features. We can easily add these features but we didn't because we're not pink. I hope you'll understand it now.

fooooobar reviewed v4.7.2480 on Nov 19, 2001

so your not listed as spamware peddlers?
oh really ?

http://www.mailthem.net
IP address: 205.207.69.8 (In RBL?: No)
DNS: FORTERIE.NET,SOFTCOM.CA
Feed: AHCRAPS.COM,CFMKIDS.ORG,HALLINDSEYORACLE.COM,MUCHHOST.COM
Contact: postmaster@FORTERIE.NET
abuse@FORTERIE.NET
postmaster@SOFTCOM.CA
abuse@SOFTCOM.CA
postmaster@AHCRAPS.COM
abuse@AHCRAPS.COM
postmaster@CFMKIDS.ORG
abuse@CFMKIDS.ORG
postmaster@HALLINDSEYORACLE.COM
abuse@HALLINDSEYORACLE.COM
postmaster@MUCHHOST.COM
abuse@MUCHHOST.COM

http://www.perfectextractor.com
IP address: 63.251.5.134 (In RBL?: No)
DNS: FREEYELLOW.COM,PNAP.NET
Feed: FREEYELLOW.COM,INTERNAP.COM,PNAP.NET
Contact: abuse@freeyellow.com
abuse@PNAP.NET
postmaster@PNAP.NET
abuse@internap.com

Your right your not listed at the spamhaus.org spamware list, but you were :o)

http://groups.google.co....Dmailthem.net%26hl%3Den

So you removed your email extraction into a seperate project "Perfect extractor" so you could carry on selling spamware. Your as pink as Julian Clary.

Cool-Gui reviewed v4.7.2480 on Nov 19, 2001

Okay, okay... So this could be used as a legit mail too... or it could be used for spam... The comments from the author were kind of harsh for someone trying to sell software. Oh well, I definitely won't be buying it... but the fact that they use a grenade with an "@" for the pull ring seems kind of funny to me. :)

mdorison reviewed v4.7.2480 on Jul 29, 2001

There seems to be some bugs in there because every so often my buddy list stops updating (ie. I dont see people signing on and off) and I have to sign off and back on. Also, an invisible option would definately be nice.

jcrewleif reviewed v4.7.2480 on Jul 28, 2001

why did they remove logging in the first place, if your read some of the past messages, someone trys to give instructions on how to reimpliment logging into the latest version but it doesn't work, despite the fact it doesn't work properly, it does show the logging feature as well as a new "password" option, but the password option was not in the version of aim that had logging, which leads me to believe that they aol/aim has updated the logging feature since the original version that had it, but for some reason chooses not to bring it back fully, why doesn't someone ask aol or aim call them up or something and find out why they took it out, or won't allow it to be fully operational, if someone knows or has figured out the correct way to bring it back like by hacking the files let us know.

tannman1 reviewed v4.7.2480 on Jul 28, 2001

After watching ICQ (also AOL owned) go from a pretty easy and fun IM to a bloated and buggy prgm that has to have the record for beta's I gave AIM a go. It is simpler for foklks that are not techs. (yes, Mom and Pop deserve something easy). The interface seems non complicated with what I feel is the maximum amound needed for this ype of app. However the icons seem blury and hard to ID. The setup was easy enough for my daughter and that passed my "average person" test. I understand most of the folks on this site have above average knowledge of their PC but it's the regular folks who will decide if it is easy, useful and reliable. It seems to be on the right track. I hope that the "feature" list stays about where it currently is 'cause as we all know the more they crammed into these things, the worse they get.

noll reviewed v4.7.2480 on Jul 27, 2001

Not too surprisingly, there are now at least 3 "Free AOL & Unlimited Internet" icons on my computer, desktop, start menu, and favorites. Damn annoying if you ask me.

xtool reviewed v4.7.2480 on Jul 27, 2001

Big improvements?
Now why don't they make buddy's IM windows StayOnTop or atleast add an option for it like the buddy list windows? Or is there such an option I didn't see on the menubar?

adambrock reviewed v4.7.2468 Beta on Jul 24, 2001

About away messages... they are stored in the registry. Are you familiar with the registry? If so they are in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\America Online\AOL Instant Messenger (TM)\CurrentVersion\Users\{yourscreennamehere}\IAmGoneList
If you need help, email me at adambrock@bigfoot.com

jcrewleif reviewed v4.7.2468 Beta on Jul 16, 2001

Hey, I often switch computers, or install than uninstall AIM, i get sick of retyping my away messages, what file or where are the away messages stored, so that I can copy that file and back it up so that I do not have to retype my messages each time, thanks, Leif

stekson reviewed v4.7.2442 Beta on Jun 26, 2001

no way in hell i'm upgrading my AIM again until they keep logging in...

-stek

PsychoRon reviewed v4.7.2442 Beta on Jun 26, 2001

Needs to bring the logging back, Anyone that wants AIM 4.4.2286??? http://www.rongoespsycho...nstall_AIM_4.4.2286.exe

mrbee reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 20, 2001

PROS: Handy new features for keeping track of whos who on your buddy list.
CONS: Bloated - sucks up much more RAM than 4.3 & adds additional promotional crap.
VERDICT: 4.3 is speedier & more compact, and AIM looks like it may be putting on some unnecessary weight. Pass.

lublind reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 7, 2001

I tried to add the logging feature to the new beta. I was able toget it to show in my preferences but when I tried to access the log AIM crashed saying that AIM has caused an error in USER.EXE, any suggestions.

Voltron reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 7, 2001

This is much better.
By the way the 4.4.2286 aim had a auto censoring feature. If you sent bad words it won't let you send for a while and lowers your rate of sending. I bet that is why it disapeared.

fetanaut reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 5, 2001

PS. it may probably be better just to copy the old aim.odl file from 4.4.2286 into the new one to get the same results.

wolvereen reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 4, 2001

They didn't remove the ability to minimize to only to the tray by the way. It's more like MSN Messenger now, instead of minimizing it, close the application. You will be notified that it will minimize it to the tray then....

reidyn reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 4, 2001

While they did introduce a few new features and made the config editing more convenient, this just isn't ready. They have, for some silly reason, taken out the ability to remove the icon from the taskbar while it is minimized. Why would they do that? I don't want the icon to permanently occupy space in my taskbar. I'm returning to the previous version until that is fixed.

bender reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 3, 2001

They fixed the wierd colored icons problem in windows xp, but they took out im logging. I'm still gonna use the older beta.

mcb247 reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 3, 2001

ArtieMcD- When the buddylist is showing, click on the X (which used to sign you off in previous versions) and you get a prompt that it's just minimizing to the tray then.

Not much different (or at least more useful) than previous versions. You can save a "comment" about your buddy's which shows when you hover your mouse (like the person's real name). Preferences menu has a new look without the tabs. I really don't care about the logging, the only thing I might considering saving is a conversation, which you can still save as an HTML file.

eolorian reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 3, 2001

You gotta love coders who bring back the old bugs. If I have this latest version open and try to open the solitaire game which comes with Windows, Solitaire will crash. Very old bug and kind of nasty that it is back.

MooseMuffin reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 3, 2001

Im not even going to download this, nor will I download any other version without logging. Logging was the best feature they ever added and I dont understand why they chose to leave it out of this release.

phoenixrisen reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 3, 2001

One thing I've been impressed with all along with this program is its stability, ease of use, and the ability to customize almost any portion of the program. I'm sure AOL has reasons (read: excuses) for not allowing AIM users to access AOL profiles and vice versa, but I'm sure that will come along eventually. Logging is something that I could use but would not use often, that's more something I take advantage of on IRC, not AIM. An impressive program overall, great way to communicate. This is coming from a person that hates AOL as an ISP with a passion :)

unknwnsk8r reviewed v4.7.2398 Beta on May 3, 2001

OH NO! Where did the best feature in a long long time go? I demand my logging! I'm going back to 4.4 just because of it....if i could only find it again... damn aol ppl

FireRunt reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 28, 2001

Good Program. Still in the early beta...improvements should include a way to get AOL profiles, and to access AOL chat rooms, and also compatibility with ICQ and other messengers would definately be a plus.

theveenker reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 27, 2001

Well, first of all I love the preferences box. I hated those stupid tabs. Adding the send rate bar back in was defineately a plus! As far as huge bug fixes, I see nothing too special. Same with added features...
People with low bandwidths should stick with 4.2 there's nothing new that works yet.

PunKeduP13 reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 17, 2001

So far, so good. It doesn't seem to be very buggy. I think if AOL decided to let AIM members view AOL profiles and vice versa, it would make it much better. I would recommend people to give this a try.

Y2kFox reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 16, 2001

Hmm.. hangs at step 3 and won't connect all the way. I wish I could say good things about this program, but I can't, so I won't :)

pauly022 reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 16, 2001

this is the best program i have ever seen in my life. IM logging = coolest and best thing ever.

xtool reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 16, 2001

OK people lets keep in mind, the main purpose of this website is beta-news and beta programs and what not. Personal comments is ok but we should be given comments and report bugs that will help the programmers rather then down grading them. How will they know what to fix or make it better if we as "testers" don't help by report bugs or give advises. This statements are not just for AIM but all other programs as well. 'nuff said

eonics reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 15, 2001

There is one major bug in all AIM versions that I have used and that is that the WYSIWYG editor does not behave as a WYSIWYG is suposed to. In AIM you don't get what you see. If you type any html markup the result will not be what you might expect. It does not even stop there. If you paste content into the editor that contains HTML markup this will be rendered. Imagine the same thing happening when you try to print your word documents. How many of would accept that?

mdorison reviewed v4.3.2229 on Feb 15, 2001

Pretty good.. I wish there was a way to make yourself invisible to other users while remaining online.

Neo5135 reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

They finally decided to LOG your conversations, just like ICQ does now. ICQ is a far better Online Chat Program, alought instant messenger is progressing maybe the beta will be better!

deryk reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

I'm curious of the advantages of a Can over ZIP or RAR. Those formats already exist, and to get widespread usage of a new compression system is a huge undertaking.

Making it freeware is however a good start; I couln't see any way it could possibly be successful when it had to be paid for. Although I do understand the need to make money, folk will always prefer to keep with a free system if it does the same thing. (I've said this somewhat less nicely before now... I was baffled at the idea, but that's no excuse really).

Einlanzer reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

Jay_ yes, its alpha, but all AIM versions have been bloated to s*** lately, even beta and non-beta/alpha versions.

darkmuck reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

A can isn't even close to a cab file. Also what bugs did you find? I need to fix them. Also if anyone wants to help me program this, they are welcome to help.

Mazakman reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

I put this latest AOL in last evening and have had no problems with it whatsoever. As far as ICQ goes, I have reverted back to the 99b because of too many freeze ups with the 2000b. I use both messengers extensively and each one has it's own little niche on the net. Many of my contacts on IM are afraid to mess with ICQ or are hesitant to try it, so we communicate on IM...no big deal.

AlacrityFitzhugh reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

Interesting that they elected to add some bugs to the Install Manager. Why is it a 'can'? Is that some kind of take on the MS 'cab'? Does this work on 'cab' files? Personally, I use 'zip' files and I don't need a can opener for them.

lecatpuke reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 28, 2000

i never liked ICQ just because of its poor interface.. and now that AIM is adapting certain ICQ features, like sending buddy list contacts, logging, etc., i have a feeling ICQ should be phased out due to unresolved security issues in essentially every version. HOWEVER, this obviously isn't a public version, and it sure as hell shouldn't be released to us =P

BubbaJack reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 27, 2000

Hi, I am the author of BubbaJack printer Monitor 2001. For those of you who said that the program is infected with a backdoor subseven virus, I had no idea about the virus. I always check and debug my developments and projects with Norton. I will look into the problem, and I promise to release the full version without viruses. Once again I am sorry for those who were infected or for those who downloaded the virus. It was totally unintentional.

srusher reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 17, 2000

The fact that nothing seems new about this beta discourages me. I mean, you could take one of the betas from a few months ago, and there would only be tiny differences, if any at all. AIM 4.0 came out in April of 2000. It's now December of 2000, and they're only on 4.3, way to go AOL. This beta is probably just a beta so it actually looks like they did something, it's not even on their beta site.

gt50 reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 11, 2000

I tried but could not get 4.3.2229 to install under win 2k. I rebooted and even uninstalled 4.3.2188. I had to go back to the version that works. When trying to install it created a .tmp file in the install directory until I ran out of disk space. Very strange.

gpman reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 10, 2000

Aim still likes to balloon in size slowly, starting off as a relatively small memory user, and then ballooning to approximately 25Megs. This is under 2k. Other than that I am dissapointed that they have not added some other features, that are available in the opensource linux clones such as Gaim, for example spell checker.

phaedo reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 10, 2000

This version of AIM installs perfectly on Windows 2000 Professional.

reoishere reviewed v4.3.2229 on Dec 10, 2000

This latest beta version (4.3.2229) although still not avail (as of Dec. 10th 11:00AM) on the AOL IM Sneak Previews area - fails to install on Windows 2000 Professional. Beta is Beta...

Involuntary reviewed v4.3.2188 on Nov 15, 2000

I like AIM, except for the fact that it takes up a lot of system resources for what it does. But this latest release worked fine for a while and all of a sudden it decided not to start up with my buddy list. I tried loading the buddy list and got an illegal operation error. I tried uninstalling and installing an older beta which had never exhibited those errors. Same behavior. :-( I guess I'll try a final version, too.

vkchu reviewed v4.3.2188 on Nov 14, 2000

is anybody else having problems w/ the latest beta? whenever i put up an away message, it seems to crash. this happens more times than i would like it to. im running w2k with sp1 and rc1.1... oh well, i guess thats to expected of beta junk

foneman99 reviewed v4.3.2188 on Nov 8, 2000

The install 4.3.2188 worked fine on window's '98SE at home, but failed at work with window's NT4 SP4 at work, got missing DLL's, had to revert back to 4.2.2184 which works fine at work with NT. Make sure you have a back-up to go back to in case of problems with NT with this release.

xer0 reviewed v4.3.2188 on Nov 7, 2000

heh...it download is called aim95.exe
other than that it works fien for me.

tecknotot reviewed v4.2.2184 Beta on Nov 1, 2000

the last 3 betas I had problems, it crashed my AIM and wouldnt load up again. try this.. with AIM loaded, go to www.aol.com and load up AIM Express too;this caused a crash and AIM was not recoverable so had to uninstall and install a final. so no more betas for me!

nberardi reviewed v4.2.2184 Beta on Nov 1, 2000

What's new is they are trying to get the program to work properly with the new AOL 6.0. Because 6.0 now supports many of the fetures that the pre-4.0 AIM version did.

Riven reviewed v4.2.2184 Beta on Oct 31, 2000

Oh yeah and I cant get it to show up again..

clones reviewed v4.2.2184 Beta on Oct 31, 2000

What's new in this version?

jammanxc reviewed v4.2.2184 Beta on Oct 31, 2000

this program is really great. it's pretty popular and it's bloatware

Riven reviewed v4.2.2179 Beta on Oct 27, 2000

Kind of annoys me how the Macintosh beta has more features.. disabling the blinking IMs and storing comments about buddies.. I wonder if the ocm files are interchangeable.. heh

polarhigh reviewed v4.2.2170 Beta on Oct 21, 2000

I have the same problem with the sound. Whenever I turn it on in the options, it works for the time I run it, but when I close it the sound mysteriously become disabled. I am running Windows ME.

lgawd reviewed v4.2.2170 Beta on Oct 21, 2000

kEViNoPolY -- i have had that same grey out the SEND button thing too, i miss the rate indicator, least it told me how long till i could type again

bmw15 reviewed v4.2.2170 Beta on Oct 20, 2000

I have Windows 2000 and i've had no problems at all. Works great for me :)

JAMing1 reviewed v4.2.2170 Beta on Oct 20, 2000

The program works fine for me but yes, I have had some sound problems too. Even when sound options are enabled I hear no sound at all or intermittently. All other applications create sound just fine.

GooberDLX reviewed v4.2.2144 Beta on Oct 19, 2000

I still use AIM more than any other chat progs.. mainly cause all of my friends use it.. Only problem I really see is that somehow.. whenver i use AIM.. the sound options all get turned off.. Im running win2k.. anyone else have these problems?? I have to go change the options if i want sound.

johnsonj reviewed v4.2.2144 Beta on Oct 2, 2000

they are going to begin storing your 'buddy lists' on their server so where ever you go your lists are with you... novel idea... hmm Microsoft Messenger has that...

eddie reviewed v4.2.2135 Beta on Sep 28, 2000

I agree, this version of AIM is really messed up. Once i installed it and rebooted later that day it had erased all the screen names that I use as well as my buddy lists (good thing i had an earlier version that kept buddy lists on their servers) and all of the sounds had to be rese manually by myself. Other than that I have no complaints.

xer0 reviewed v4.2.2135 Beta on Sep 24, 2000

this ver of aim of ****ed! it made me restart my computer because it had to overwrite some old file and when i started aim after the restart it i had no sounds i had to reasign them
AOL should make it that you can save ur away messeges along w/ ur buddy list

inferno reviewed v4.2.2135 Beta on Sep 23, 2000

Never mind I figured it out. -=)I might as well make use of this post while im here.....
AIM finally kicks ass, the new buddy list features are amazing and between the file edit and the aimad program the banners are no longer a problem. The only issue i still have is the fact that you cant make im's NOT move all over the place. Thats all....bye

cdmeaw.com reviewed v4.2.2135 Beta on Sep 22, 2000

it is getting 3 because it is a so-so program, all it is useful in is it's easy to reach your AOL friends. Everything else about the program is terribly bad, from the banners to the ppl search. I use a very old version at home, and it works faster than the new versions I have at work.

DigitalSin reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 8, 2000

Worked for a day or so, now it gives me an error when "Starting Services..".

creator reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 8, 2000

Download sources and fix this :)

horst reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 8, 2000

It works fine with Eudora. Alas, it uses 10-14Mb in memory, which seems like an awful lot for 1 supplementary checked account.

tatajuba reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 8, 2000

Very bad, I believe that every time they go to worse, at some time they will get a searcher as that of ICQ, you never find what you look for, since you are not able to find for country, population, city, you have to put a name, you sometimes want only to find people of a city.

lecatpuke reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 7, 2000

I failed to mention when updating this version that the buddy list error was corrected. Version 2107, released not too long ago itself, caused problems with the buddy list. This version, albeit a small number increase, fixes that problem.

i366i reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 7, 2000

uhmm backup your buddy list before you do this it messes you up BADD

yohimbe9 reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 7, 2000

does anyone ever modify the ODL files to remove the adds and the ticker? there's a line in there which i don't think was in there before which says "skins." is this an idea for the future?

DvST8 reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 6, 2000

All that I can see thats new in Aim 4.2.2110 is they added
a feature to intergrate all your screen names and quickbuddy/aim express, and the ads now have a option to copy the url.

bryank1 reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 6, 2000

Ummm ok. So what's new in it??????????

danielacroft reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 6, 2000

I would love to use this program but it crashes everytime I try to copy ICQ 2000 a (v4.31 build 3143), it can't copy icqcore.dll. I am running NT4 and I am an administrator.
Not very happy with that... :(

iaboy20 reviewed v4.2.2110 on Sep 6, 2000

Too bad this was already released several days ago, and people already knew about this.

stratmancj reviewed v4.2.2107 Beta on Sep 5, 2000

good for the first time i signed on till it froze, kept giving me errors and finally i had to go back to build 2074

xer0 reviewed v4.2.2107 Beta on Sep 2, 2000

The allow users too see how long I've been idle does work.
I have it dechecked and it still says how long I've been idle
Back to build 2074 for me.

mayge reviewed v4.2.2107 Beta on Sep 1, 2000

Alright would have been nice if i could actuly talk to people besides my self.. When i logged on it crossed my buddy list with my list i have for quick buddy, and it didnt even show the people that where online.. Sorry but i had to find and older version just to get people to show up in my buddy list.. Bad beta dont download it!!!!! Oh and get rid of the phone thing, no one is going to pay $0.01 a min when they can do it for free.. your just takeing up space!!!

bryank1 reviewed v4.1.2074 Beta on Aug 30, 2000

I wish to god they would list the changes.

AlacrityFitzhugh reviewed v4.1.2074 Beta on Aug 10, 2000

Great if you like being flooded with advertising every minute and you have no desire to talk to anyone on Tribal Voice, Yahoo, MSN, or any one else in the world that doesn't kow-tow to Steve Case's 'Vision of the Web' where he owns everyone.

captainahab reviewed v4.1.2074 Beta on Aug 10, 2000

Ahoy Mateys! This crew will have to wait for build 4.1.2091, or was that build 4.1.2117? Arg! Just sail ye ship to Microsoft or Yahoo for a good messenger! AOL is full of barnacles!

Dalith15 reviewed v4.1.2074 Beta on Aug 9, 2000

What has actually been changed/updated in this new beta? I haven't found anything noticable yet...

warhorse47 reviewed v4.1.2074 Beta on Aug 9, 2000

I personally perfer the Novell/AOL AIM client because there are no ads and you get tool tips as to who is signing on or off. I can't understand why AOL would make two AIM clients, but one is clearly superior.

c0dex reviewed v4.1.2074 Beta on Aug 9, 2000

It's pretty good, I prefer icq though. I wish you could make yourself invisible to individual users with aim, there are people I like to avoid sometimes. Anyways, to remove the ads, there's a program called aim adjuster (I found it at http://www.fileflash.com...ion=info&program=72 ) that remove the ads. It doesn't work all that well, and once you do it you can't resize aim until the next time, but it does get rid of the ads, so I'm not complaining.

codf4ther reviewed v4.1.2057 Beta on Aug 2, 2000

Great product, I use it every day. Sure wish those ads would go away though. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of them?

inferno reviewed v4.1.2031 Beta on Jul 2, 2000

I believe AIM is the perfect messaging client. I only have 3 problems with it.

1. The ad's. (already corrected by editing the file and using aim ad to adjust the BL size)
2. The fact that in the "View" menu of each IM there isnt a "Keep on top" option.
3. That the IM's dont stack on top of each other anymore. They tile and take up my whole damn screen.

Somebody make AOL fix that then i dont see anything to complain about in AIM.

bluehazedskies reviewed v4.1.2031 Beta on Jun 29, 2000

windowblinds... www.stardock.com... skinnable and allows you to make any window always on top

xtool reviewed v4.1.2031 Beta on Jun 29, 2000

Wow! PC to phone on AIM! I would use it but will this cost me an arm and a leg for long distance call since we're talking about PC to an analog phone??? Another thing, can someone please tell me if AIM has option where as I can keep my chat instant message's windows (not buddy list)stay on top while working on other thing? -xtool

ace2k reviewed v4.1.2031 Beta on Jun 29, 2000

hmm....aol added pc to pc phone support exactly 2 days after ICQ released its new version with the exact same feature, durr!

vivisect reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 23, 2000

yeah it *IS* strange especially when you consider that almost ALL software installation programs tell you to not have other software running during the installation process.

pay attention.

shawkins reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 20, 2000

I am running Windows ME build (4.90.2535). When AOL is running, I cannot install new programs. Strange.

eddie reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 16, 2000

We fixed post as 4.1.2010 not 4.0.2010.. sorry.. eFront

paradox909 reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 14, 2000

Why would you call tech support for AIM ? And oh yeah, AOL is combining ICQ and AIM.. In fact they are already combined. Just try logging in with your ICQ UIN and ICQ password. Have Phun!

vincentcho reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 14, 2000

I am waiting for the TRUE banshee driver for win2k, none was right for my system until now, except the MS's banshee driver for win2k. But MS's driver didn't support glide & openGL function. God, please give me much more drivers to test!

bryank1 reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 14, 2000

Same here. I have a Monster Fusion and the screen is corrupted after reboot. I guess 3DFX doesn't have any Monster Fusion cards to test with.

grivad reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 14, 2000

I have had no luck with .01 or .02 of the drivers no matter what I do. I have a PCI Diamond Monster Fusion. When I install the drivers and restart, my video gets COMPLETELY corrupted (vertical/horizontal lines across screen) and the machine hard locks. The only way I could get them to work was to "hybridize" them with the unofficial beta drivers. They worked then, but of course I had no OGL or Glide.

modemman reviewed v4.1.2010 on Jun 14, 2000

funny....... after installed it reads as 4.1.2010 not 4.0.2010
and the AOL beta site doesnt have it posted that I saw.

gregbrown12 reviewed v4.0.2000 on Jun 7, 2000

Aol Instant Messanger is by far the best chat program on the net. Icq is garbage compaired to aim. Aim is a lot easier and it's more fun. Icq is boring and I hate it, only use aim. Visit http://geb.cjb.net for new plug-ins and skins to enhance your aol instant messanger.

purplemonkeydan reviewed v4.0.2000 on Jun 7, 2000

Have they managed to make it tell you ON-SCREEN when people enter AND leave? Like MSN Messenger puts a big yellow message in the bottom right corner.

joshwa reviewed v4.0.2000 on Jun 5, 2000

I think the "Upgrade AIM" option only appears when there is a new version to download. Also, you can display the headlines as a web document.. open the ticker and click the button on the far left. Still waiting for that "always on top" feature.

Prefect reviewed v4.0.2000 on Jun 5, 2000

I am having the same problem with the Upgrade option show up in the menu. I wonder if it has anything to do with me using the most recent version. Maybe it will appear when a newer version is available.

blockhead reviewed v4.0.2000 on Jun 5, 2000

I'm not seeing the "Check for Upgrade" Choice on the Main Menu. Kind of strange that it has taken this long for the Windows version to get that feature. The Mac version has had it for quite a while.

boomer860 reviewed v4.0.2000 on Jun 5, 2000

The auto upgrade feature does not show on the my AIM menu,as displayed on the Instant Messenger Home page,other wise good.

Involuntary reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 17, 2000

This is one of the best chat programs around. Two features that I think are missing are an "always on top" option for individual chat windows, and an option to open the news headlines as a web document instead of a ticker. When those two features are added, the program will be worthy of a 5 rating.

yeroc815 reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 16, 2000

For Ensoniq users who cannot find the Waveset Manager: Rt-click My Computer and select "Properties." Click the "Device Manager" tab. Find the category "Sound, video and game controllers" and click the plus (+) sign to the left of it. Dbl-click the line that reads "Creative ENSONIQ AudioPCI." Click the "Settings" tab. Click the "Add Waveset" button and choose the directory where you have saved the *.ECW (waveset) files. That's it!

cobain reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 14, 2000

To the person that said you could get tik at whatever.com/yyyyy/tik.tar.gz or whatever you had, wh00py. First off, tik is being continued by some fans, the homepage is at tik.sourceforge.com. Also TIK sucks, gaim is so much better, you can find it at http://www.marko.net/gaim/. Later. Cobain

nova897 reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 9, 2000

Awesome program.
i like the feature of "docking" the buddy list.
i tried editing the Aim.odl and got rid of the banners but i get a blank space instead. e, still better than the ad.
thanx.

Ishtumba reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 8, 2000

Great program, I use it a lot. But I'm getting real tired of having to update every week for stupid little additions. Why don't you just wait and release it all at once?

CFerra reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 8, 2000

DESTINCTIVE RINGS YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome feature!!

Chris

jerryiii reviewed v4.0.1957 on May 8, 2000

Two things:
1) Why is it called IM when it's not messaging? it should be Instant chatting ... but definitelly not messaging ...

2) I have not seen a single msg program where you have to click send ... it's always either or (ICQ) ... so sending msg without using the mouse is not really anything special ...

lgawd reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 28, 2000

thanks for the info on disabling the ad's thing man. do uknow the meta tab command to change other peoples buddy icon? if anyone does, email imnotu001@hotmail.com please, i'll hook u up with something (promo music or programs?) l8r

cookiepus reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 21, 2000

AiM remains stable and versatile -- as it has been since v1.0. Originally its main advantage over other messenger services [of which there weren't that many at the time] was the ability to communicate with AOL subscribers. This was some years ago, and now there're more AIM users than AOL users on virtually everyone's buddy list. The AIM service itself is great: AOL provides nice interfaces for Windows and Macs, as well as QuickBuddy which can be executed off AOL's website within your java-capable browser. There are also 3rd party AIM clients for UNIX, which means that you can access your AIM account from any computer you find yourself on... The AIM for windows 4.x has been working for me as well as any previous version, and I've run it at different times on Win95, 98, NT4 and Win2k, all without any glitches both on a modem and on a lan. One of the more recent features is the ability to establish a direct connection to your buddy, which allows some nice things. For example, you can emben an image right inside an Instant Message. You can also embed any other file type, which your buddy can then save or execute from within the IM. Another recent addition is the "offline buddies" list. Right now this allows you to select a special alert occur when a certain buddy comes on. It's also an easy way to see how many total buddies you have. Another new addition is the mail checker, which works quite fine for me. In general, I've noticed over the yeara that it's usually worth upgrading to the latest version - even the betas - when they come out. The AIM team has been doing a good job on my opinion.

Pete Nice reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 21, 2000

I mainly enjoy AOL IM since it's relatively fast and you can simply hit "Enter" and send a message instead of having to click a send button each time...but why is the "Offline" list necessary? I mean, if someone isn't online, then what's the point of displaying the fact that they're not? Maybe I'm missing the purpose of that feature...

"Pete Nice"

TheHaVVk reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 20, 2000

I don't understand why the new mail still doesn't work for me! Am I the only one???

maneufeld reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 20, 2000

on a related note: i have been using "instantme" by novell for several weeks now with my win2000 system. i am very impressed with the program: (1.) it has a great UI (without the ads), (2.) seems faster and more stable than any AOLIM build i have used, and (3.) it's compatable with aol. the only thing it lacks is the talk feature and the worthless stock and news tickers. The novell people claim that they are adding voice and video features soon.

bryank1 reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 20, 2000

Awww.... it's not skinnable.

rdez- reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 20, 2000

wow, that seems like a colossal waste of programming. Especially since its not THAT difficult to reach over and push the button the the cd drawer. And also considering if you need to open the ROM door, that usually means you want to put a CD in. With that in mind, you will need to have your hand by the CD Door anyway, so why not just push the freggin button?

Oh, wait, i see.. You're allowing me to have something else on my box that will take up resources? Thats cool.. just what i need..

premiere reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 20, 2000

CuteMX is just as bad as any other file sharing program out there. Not enough of the options you really need and too little of the ones you do. Why do you need a pretty little GUI anyway?

radams reviewed v4.0.1926 on Apr 20, 2000

Copyright bit? Hmm. I guess there isn't a problem yet that will change that.. Opps.. Err There is. Go Figure.
CuteMX is just like the other.. Wake UP!

R. Kenshin reviewed v4.0.1904 on Apr 11, 2000

this new AIM works great in my WIN2K Pro!! those who said its not working are liars and stupid!! and icq sucks!

lgramatikov reviewed v4.0.1904 on Apr 11, 2000

The strange thing here ia that AOL has TWO products for instant messaging - AIM and ICQ and they still can't talk to each other. I think it's time do something about that. Or, as someone said "AIM must die!" ;-)

zort reviewed v4.0.1904 on Apr 10, 2000

yay, finally they have new email notification.

btw that AOL AD remover website is: http://members.home.com/pk101/AIMAd.html

wtmcgee reviewed v3.5.1900 on Apr 10, 2000

does anyone know where to get the program called AIMad? it gets rid of those pesky ads at the top and bottom of the AIM window? if you know where to find it please post the URL..

thanks

LiQiCE reviewed v3.5.1900 on Apr 7, 2000

For anyone getting the RealFreeMem error that I was getting previously, if you uninstall AOL Instant Messanger fully, delete the C:\Program Files\AIM95 directory, and remove any registry entries referring to AOL, then re-install v3.5.1900, it works fine without any errors! (You won't lose your buddy lists this way) ...

MikeP reviewed v3.5.1900 on Apr 1, 2000

for the people asking about aol putting features in aim that are on aol like Viewing aol member profiles,going into aol chats,talking with aol members it won't ever happen. aol wants to keep these features off aim becauses aim is free and they don't want to give all this stuff on aim because then everybody would like switch isp's and just use aim and aol would lose business

dlaws reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 31, 2000

Hey, niXia. Thank goodness. I thought I was the only one who's cursor kept disappearing. I had the problem on my W2K box for the past 3 versions. I reported the bug to AOL earlier this week. Logging off, then back on got things working again...

snakeAO reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 31, 2000

in my opinion, its a good program. I agree with who ever has been saying we should be able to view AOL member profiles, that truly would be nice. also be able to conect to talk with people that are on AOL as well. the ability to play sounds in the chat would be ALRIGHT (that is ok if they leave that out but it would be nice just for the heck of it). you must also remember that if it has too many of AOL`s features, that it will be just about the same so they are of course going to leave a few features out that AOL has that we will never have

niXia reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 31, 2000

It's all good...but does anybody else get this annoying problem where the mouse pointer would suddenly disappear whenever its over any part of AIM? Is this a bug that's only in W2K?

xtool reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 31, 2000

This version seem to be working fine except the mail featured. The animated icon is on even tho mail has been checked. Does anyone know if there an option that keeps IM's windows stay ontop instead it minimized to taskbar when your using multiples windows?

atac reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 31, 2000

After AOL deleted all my dial-up networking preferences when I installed it, I will never use AOL again! Yahoo! Messenger is better anyways... NO ADS... NO AOL = GOOD PRODUCT!

reidyn reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 30, 2000

I just installed it, and I haven't been able to find a list of whatever was fixed in this version (even on their web page). No apparent new features, but maybe this is a bug fixing build. It still has the problem with leaving the flashing "mail" icon in the system tray even after you read your mail, which was a problem in the last two builds. I've reported it, no result. Otherwise, seems to work fine.
Now a public service message....
To Guest:
Hey, bonehead, go trolling on the Usenet and quit littering up our discussion forum here. We're sick of your idiotic crap. Grow up, already. By the way, there was ONE article that you forgot to troll around in today.

For those who haven't figured it out, this scmuck has been going through EVERY article's discussion forum and EVERY program's review forum on this site and littering it with anti-Microsoft drivel. Most of it has no bearing on the topic. Someone PLEASE revoke his account before he comes back and does it again.

StuMan8424 reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 30, 2000

When will we be able to view aol members' profiles???????? Coming soon is not a good answer.

ImageOfJC reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 30, 2000

Well well well... I'd like to say it's an improvement... but... I'm not seein anything. I STILL can't get the email checker to work, the talk feature seems to be ok though. It's been a while since they've made any good upgrades though. What are they waitin' for?

grapeice925 reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 30, 2000

As always, AIM has been a good program. Unfortunately, after switching to Windows 2000, it doesn't really work well any more. Whenever I start it up, this MemAlloc error comes up and you have to hit OK like fifteen times for it to work properly. I have emailed AOL bu no fix. Anyone else havong this problem?

guest reviewed v3.5.1900 on Mar 30, 2000

Looks nice, but its just NOT secure. Get another Firewall.

GiZiM reviewed v3.5.1886 on Mar 26, 2000

** MEMORY LEAK **
This version SEEMS to have a memory leak a BAD ONE!

theye reviewed v3.5.1886 on Mar 26, 2000

"(except for AMD CPU. Their coprocessor is too week for WinAMP and VVSP.)" Oh I see. No reason to try it then. If you say so...

Ghaleon_ME reviewed v3.5.1886 on Mar 24, 2000

It's a good program, but the talk feature hasn't worked since a few versions ago... You'd think that they'd improve it and remove bugs from it, but instead they seem to be ADDING bugs... But Hey, It's AOL, so what do you expect??

bratko reviewed v3.5.1886 on Mar 24, 2000

I really like it ! Very usefull and VERY fast (on slow networks too). VNC is only piece of crap when you try this one. VNC is very very slow. This one really rules. New version 2.0 is close to ready (now in beta). But if you have Windows 2000 server it's better use included terminal server services (for adminstration no licenses needed).

viowatch reviewed v3.5.1856 on Mar 2, 2000

Hey if anyone wants the Unix/linux version of aim, called TiK, i uploaded it at Http://members.aol.com/yyyyy/TiK.zip. If this link doesnt work email me at expelled@hotmail.com.

Tik needs the TCL 8.2 scripts installed for this to work. You can get it at http://www.scriptics.com...ow82.html?email=%40skip . Once tcl is installed, run tik. This works on win95/98/2000/linux/unix.

eddie reviewed v3.5.1856 on Mar 2, 2000

The talk feature finally works for me.. Cannot tell many updates in this version, but i believe this is the best version released yet, at least for Windows 2000.

SuperDave2K reviewed v3.5.1856 on Mar 1, 2000

The e-mail checker works fine with POP3 servers but the stupid "new mail" animated tray icon won't stop even AFTER you've launched your mail prog!

Beaquat reviewed v3.5.1856 on Mar 1, 2000

This is pretty good. Although the alert doesnt work as good as I had hoped. you can only use it on offline people. IE you cant set an alarm for someone online right now, even if you want ti to be a permnament alarm...

As for the ads... get AimAd. Its on here somewhere. Gets rid of those pesky ads. Worth looking up...

atac reviewed v3.5.1856 on Mar 1, 2000

What is with all those Annoying ADs? I personally Ban any product that will have ads streaming across it!! They should pay me if I am advertising for them. Other than that the Layout is ok.

bmw15 reviewed v3.5.1856 on Mar 1, 2000

I dunno what everyone's problems are with it. But I haven't had a single problem with it. The only thing is that AIM didn't notify me of this update. Oh well. Lates people

cih reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 5, 2000

When I installed this new version of AIM, it said that a DLL file was missing, when i tried to run the program. I went back to using the old vesion (AIM 3.5.1713). If you would like to discuss this problem, IM me on the Screen Name OMFG, or ie5.

tigika reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 2, 2000

I would recommend ppl not to upgrade to 1808 version since it keeps getting errors with kernel. Went to older version and worked just fine. I suspect the auto-update is causing the plm.

dead2sin reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 1, 2000

I love the program. but I have a problem with it when i run windowblinds aim will not dock to the left or right screen but when i unload windowblinds it works. does anyone else have this problem?

HDClown reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 1, 2000

**READ** Extremely bad problem with AIM on Windows NT Server SP4 (and possibly all versions of Windows) when using Adaptec EZ SCSI 5.0. I have an all SCSI system with 2 HDs set to spin down when inactive. I left my computer for 3 hours in which the 2 HDs spun down. I came back and AIM was Frozen. I was unable to kill the process in task manager. To top it off, exiting any other program left that program frozen, and unable to be killed via task manager. I tried to restart NT, after having to manually kill a few apps, NT remained stuck in shutdown for 10 minutes. The Hard drives were COMPLETELY locked. Back to an older version of AIM for me.

viowatch reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 1, 2000

Hey, for anyone who cant run aim because your on windows 2000 or linux, I have TiK, the aim version for linux/unix, etc. Aol removed it cuz of msn messanger, but i downloaded it 1 week before they yanked it, including the filetransfer source code. It's only 1 meg, and has NO ads, and runs on win95/98/00, and other OS' like unix and linux. The only bad thing is you cant copy the IM text, but it does log im's. Also it doesnt stay on top so you have to manuelly check the IM to see if someone IM'ed you.

Tik has-
-buddyping
-stock quotes
-log IM text to html file
-store buddylist on hard drive, not server
-more colors in IM's
-NO ads at all
-you can load tik and aim, and be signed on 2 different aim names at same time.

If you want tik, email me at expelled@hotmail.com and ill forward you a copy.

ZLyons reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 1, 2000

I have never had a problem with this program under Win2k. Does anyone know if there is an option that will make your docked list autohide?

john119 reviewed v3.5.1808 on Feb 1, 2000

i would really like to be able to use the newest beta of aim but it still wont run in win2k it cant find oscore.dll its very aggravating

Dark reviewed v3.5.1808 on Jan 31, 2000

The new docking feature in this latest version is quite nifty. I can now surf the web and look at who's online at the same time without having to switch between the two. AIM just keeps getting better and better. However, I'm not quite sure on how this new supposed "Auto Upgrade" feature works. Try as I might I couldn't find anything related to it so I'm assuming it takes place in the background most likely.

Archange11 reviewed v3.5.1808 on Jan 31, 2000

I've been testing all the 3.5's, just one question, usually it always is set to always on top, but now it goes behind any application if not active, which is annoying when you have to switch back just to see who's just signed on. Can anyone tell me how to set it to always on top??????

ajzemel reviewed v3.5.1808 on Jan 31, 2000

Well, it is better than the old version. Thought it still isn't ICQ (for that matter neither is ODIGO or DING). One would think that AOL might try to move their IM users over to ICQ (or make the 2 programs compatable) as they did buy ICQ about a year ago. Go figure

seany187 reviewed v3.5.1808 on Jan 31, 2000

Its ok, but why cant we search aol member profiles and chat in aol chat rooms with aol users. Why cant we have a chat room and invite aol users. We need more connect with aol users. Overall this is the best messenger around.

rapsux reviewed v3.5.1808 on Jan 31, 2000

Well, to the person who is hoping to view aol users profiles.. im sorry .. heh.. i was speaking with someone who was developing AIM, and on top of his irritating email, he said that would never happen, due to the fact that it was 'a privilage to AOL's paying members' .. i also made comments about possible email alises based on your aim screenname, aliased to your actual email address, and that wasnt mentioned in the reply.. so maybe that IS a possiblity, who knows.

markdev reviewed v3.5.1808 on Jan 31, 2000

For anyone who is wondering why they can't dock their buddy list right away, you must go to Preferences - Buddy and select a checkbox allowing you to dock. As for the auto upgrade, I'm not sure if it takes place in the background or if it is another setting that must be selected. If I find out, I will be sure to post a message.

XCR600RDR reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 22, 2000

everything on this version is phat! But I am really anticipating the release of 4!!! Hopefully the member search option will be a little more enhanced and hopefully us AIM users will be able to view AOL members personal profiles! That would be cool... and an offline messaging option wouldn't be all that bad also.

adnans reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 21, 2000

My only gripe is that the newest version doesn't seem to like to work with different im clients. a friend of mine has to use a program that (i think, a big i think) came with lotus. i can see his text fine, but no matter what i do, he can't see mine. the version that was out just before worked perfectly fine too.

mediacenter reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 20, 2000

"One new thing I noticed is if you highlight a user on your buddy list (who is online), you can see their capabilities, ie Talk, Get File, Send File, etc. Doesn't seem to work on native AOL users, though." ok FRIEDEGG person, the reason you can't see what capabilities an AOL user has is becaussseeeee.... THE DON'T HAVE ANY! they CAN'T go into the same chat as you or talk to you or ANYTHING else, so AIM's not screwed up or anything, it tells it right

Spawnx2 reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 6, 2000

Well I kind of Like it in wayz but in other wayz thay need more changes to put better options in the the Buddy find and the Profiles... the New Phone on there is neat only if the other person as the newest Vs. of Aim. You need to make a date to put out the New AIM 4.0 Soon! Thank You Mike

alienshore88 reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 6, 2000

Pretty cool utility. Downloaded and installed without any problems. It was very easy to map a drive letter to my website/ftp server and edit my webpages right online. I installed in on my laptop running Win 98 Second Edition and it appears to be quite stable. Didn't experience any BSOD's at all, even while editing my webpages. Good job.

spyrl69 reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 5, 2000

Awesome!!! This new version has a few more options in away mode and redid some prefrences menu.

tigika reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 5, 2000

Only change I see is that they added offline group list, just wish they had some kind of icon to tell which is AOL or AIM.

blushade reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 5, 2000

I want more faces, its ok but the vioce is cool. Mostly the newer one should have more up front features. I like the faces but I need more for different emotioons..

cwtreez reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 5, 2000

As for is being the same, they fixed the user database so other card owners can use it as well. In other words, if your serial number didn't work before, it'll work now!

friedegg reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 5, 2000

One new thing I noticed is if you highlight a user on your buddy list (who is online), you can see their capabilities, ie Talk, Get File, Send File, etc.

Doesn't seem to work on native AOL users, though.

Dal reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 5, 2000

Are you *sure* this is new drivers? It looks just the same as the ones i downloaded months ago (Back in september). It has the same version number, and the same filesize, too.
Maybe that explains why it don't work under Win2k (2195)

ianzabel reviewed v3.5.1713 on Jan 4, 2000

I really don't see anything new here. It looks like they reorganized a few of the preference screens... but I don't see anything major.

pgunz45 reviewed v3.5.1670 on Dec 8, 1999

its alright...i can't talk and i can't access my profile

Surrreal reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 29, 1999

i like it. i've had the past few betas as well and was having problems with each one. haven't had too many with this so far (knock on wood). one of the things i like is that now i can talk with people who aren't behind my firewall (which by the way i detest). oh and i don't like the big smileys.

nsa reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 29, 1999

I use it everyday to talk to people in the next cubicle to friends across the globe. In my experiances, it uses far less resources than ICQ, and it is smaller and more managable. 1670 seems to be another small improvement, bravo.

LikwidQewL reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 29, 1999

Ok I think everyone has noticed that when you use this new Aim Beta sometimes before you even connect fully you get internet connection error messages. To fix this just go to setup and click the connections tab and then click auto-configure under ports. this should solve the problem. If it doesn't work the just auto-configure again. and if you want it back the original way then just click reset.

mar reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 27, 1999

Here we go again *lost connection*, if you want to KILL the adds and free up some resources try this: http://members.home.com/...ex.html?page=AIMAd.html

jollygreenfat reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 27, 1999

AIM 3.5.1670 seems more stable than previous betas, although there seems to be more trouble w/ "connection lost", especially on signon. The addition of the button to easily add the new smilies is nice (too many to remember otherwise! :-) Also nice to have a list of people in your list that are OFFline, so you don't wonder if you don't see them just because you don't have their name on your list.

boomer860 reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 27, 1999

Although this current version #1670 is an improvement over the previous one,I am still getting an occassional 'internet connection lost',which is not so.Its improving so hopefully it will be even better in the next release.

kzoom reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 25, 1999

Overall good... nice additions past few weeks but I still see no reason for warns. Only pisses other people off and most of the time they are not used as they are meant to be.

ACoolT5 reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 24, 1999

AIM is great, and I love the voice chat! I can now talk to family in texas without the phone bill, only the AOL bill. And as fot the connection lost bug, it was just a problem with their server for a few days, absolutley nothing wrong with the program.

jolt reviewed v3.5.1670 on Nov 24, 1999

In the last version I could NOT get the Voice Chat to work, at least in this build I have gotten it to work. Unfortunately it still seems plagued by the Connection lost/not avalible problem of the last build.

boomer860 reviewed vv.3.5.1635 on Nov 21, 1999

This version Of AIM worked great for about four days then started giving me messages that I lost my internet connection,not so.The previous version works fine.Maybe the next version will have the bugs worked out.

aurigus reviewed vv.3.5.1635 on Nov 19, 1999

Great chat program, It's used all around campus. It replaces the telephone!

juv reviewed vv.3.5.1635 on Nov 19, 1999

New AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) for Windows is a good improvment from the latest beta they made the Voice Chat more stable and added 16 different smiles which are very nifty themselve but there are some major bugs. Some my friends that use AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) have been having trouble signing on it the past 3-4 days always get a error message let's just hope AOL fixes the bug before the next beta

wartoyz reviewed vv.3.5.1635 on Nov 19, 1999

Well everytime netscape comes out with a browser I go download it, the reason is alot of people use it. See with me as a webmaster that works with HTML everyday, so many times i have to go behind myself and change a site around for Netscape to see. I really find netspace had a bad problem with tables like with background colors and normal colors. If they wish to compeat with IE they need to get on the ball with HTML, it is the whole reason it is a browser. Thats like trying to use a lawntracker for a car, sure they both will get you somewhere, but do you want to take a tracker to work?