AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1

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  1 stars

  Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1

  "Force Install Software. Ad Overload"

  by Freedomstarfox on July 17, 2009

  Pros: Real Time IM. See what your buddy is typing.

  Cons: -Force installs Viewpoint Media Player. Viewpoint is known to create a unique ID and eventually can track computer data and usage. See more below.
  -Overloaded with ads.
  -Default install adds search engine, makes default, and adds toolbar

  Summary: I have tried AIM 6.5 in the past and decided to try this version. I was not impressed as nothing much changed.
  
  It still installs Viewpoint Media Player without proper user consent. It only mentioned Viewpoint in the EULA once in one line which most people don't read. Viewpoint creates a unique tracker ID that can track your computer usage and send them to a third party. Since most people don't even know this exists on their computer, they have no idea whats happening in the background. In addition, if you look carefully in Task Manager, a System process called ViewpointService.exe is always running in the background. Uninstalling it may improve your system performance.
  
  If you try to uninstall Viewpoint, it is known to attempt to reinstall itself when AIM starts again if you are admin or a user with install permissions. It will not warn you of anything. It will just magically appear again. While I have not noticed this behavior yet, its important to make note of it.
  
  AOL says this is to display certain "media" like SuperBuddy Icons, which is quite unnecessary. Viewpoint is installed without proper user consent. See this: http://www.computing.net/answers/security/aol-forceinstalling-spyware/9665.html Its a bit old but still true.
  
  AOL was also known to previously force install WildTangent for its games and media. This is also adware. I haven't noticed it installed however.
  
  By default, the install will add AIM Toolbar, install AIM Search and make it default, and make AIM Zones your home page. This is under Recommended Install.
  
  Overloaded with ads! Not only on buddy list but it seems 6.9 decided to add ads on the Settings window too! There are also ads on the buddy info window. We can't even change your settings without downloading these useless ads.
  
  The only thing I liked would be real time IM, which lets you see what your buddy is typing although this isn't that necessary. Other than that, theres nothing special about AIM.
  
  It can log IMs but no log viewer? Clicking View IM Archive opens the HTML file in a browser.
  
  I have completely switched to multi protocol clients. I'll be checking back on the next release (7.0) when it comes out of Beta to see what changes were made, however I will not be using it.
  
  AIM is Adware and I do NOT recommend AIM to anyone.

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