A newer version of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- Average user rating: stars out of 403 votes Back to product review
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User reviews
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30 out of 37 people found this review helpful
2 stars
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
"Not the direction I was hoping AIM would go in. Stick with version 5.9."
Pros: By the way: this version listed as being for Windows 2k/XP is the AIM Triton beta project available with your AIM account at AOL's beta webpage (beta(.)aol(.)com). The version listed as being for Windows 98/ME, the version 5.9.3, does in fact work in Windows 2k/XP contrary to the information listed on Download.com.
Its free.
It has a brand new interface.
These new versions lack certain features, which is a good thing since it lacks expressions and AIM games...god what atrocities!
Cons: The new codebase, while written from scratch and looking all cool, is much slower than the one seen in AIM 3.x/4.x/5.x.
These beta versions (as that is what this version is) lacks a lot of the features you find currently in AIM 5.9...Im sure down the road they will be available, but right now they arent. The list includes, but is not limited to, file sending, direct connectioning, video chat and audio chat.
I dont think this new client is as configurable as the old 5.9.
Like 5.9, these new Triton builds include advertisements in the buddy list window.
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If you need to do file sending, or picture sharing with direct connection, or audio or video chat, then this version is definitely not for you. I dont think its for anyone to tell you the truth. While the interface is all cool looking, I really dont like it all that much, include this with the fact that the program is slower, it runs one extra process over version 5.9 (aolsoftware.exe) and the uninstaller is that horrible AOL uninstaller, which even after you remove all AOL software the uninstaller remains in the add/remove programs. Stick with AIM 5.9 with the popular AIM Ad Hack. Not that AIM Ad Hack doesnt exist for this version, I just dont like this AIM version regardless.
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5 out of 8 people found this review helpful
2 stars
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
Pros: For the fact that they are known and used throughout the US. Doesn't overwrite previous versions (thankfully).
Cons: Complicated instal, sometimes does not work. Instals a browser that is not wanted. No option for shortcuts (quickbar, desktop, and programs folders), just auto puts them in there, have to do delete if not wanted. Try's to take over your computer by making it every (i.e. home page, default browser, etc.) default in it's control (if not selected at instal and setup).
Ok, now on to the actual program... it is very complicated to start any transaction with th eperson you are talking to (i.e. Direct Connect, Sending files/photos, anything). Way too many options that are practically useless to the average user. Half of the window that shows your buddies that are online is taken up by either ads or other crap that AOL wants you to do that you dont want.
I have many more complaints about this program. But is all I can say is AOL tries to make things easier by putting in more options that no one cares about and taking out the options to easily let you have control of your computer.. not working.
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10 out of 10 people found this review helpful
2 stars
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
"It Works, But the Devil's In the Details"
Pros: The only pro for this program is the fact that it does as advertised. But read on, because as the saying goes, the devil's in the details.
Cons: AOL is well known for installing programs you do not want or need on your PC, and AIM goes a little further than that. For one thing, the installer automatically installs the AOL browser, leaving you no option otherwise. This browser is bloatware, and one must dig in their program files to uninstall it. Also AIM installs the Viewpoint Media Player, a program I consider spyware seemingly because in some cases (thankfully not my own), this little program goes out of its way to make sure it stays on your hard drive. The video and voice chat feature is functional, but don't expect any kind of quality as it seems to change frequently in clarity. If you must use AIM, I urge you to download Trillian as a replacement for this. AIM is simply too bloated to be of any use to a smart user.
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
1 stars
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
Cons: Basically, the sound system has not improved since I have last used Triton in 2005. I switched to Trillian. Generally, everything sucks in this version and nothing has improved, which the exception of more ads, banners, unsecure streaming, and optional changing to aol homepage and search engine during installation. Trillian works much better, as it enables multi-clients and optional use of AV.
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
3 stars
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
Pros: This is a rock solid IM tool, if you are only working with others who use AIM.
Cons: With all the various IM types out there, you are better off with a tool that supports multiple systems.
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