AOL instant messenger, do you use it?

[benhui86]

Do you use AIM? if so what is your screenname?

mines cressidarac3r

[Vandelete]

why do you want 2 know?

[Mike Phillips]

I've been on the Internet since 1993, started out using Mosaic Beta 1.2 for a web browser. Over all this time, I've never tried or felt the need to use one of the many instant messenger programs because I already receive a ton of e-mail and PM's and I think having messages pop up that I need to reply to would be annoying.

Plus I like having a record of what I type and send out, since I've never used any of these programs I don't know for sure but do you have a archive somewhere that you can access?

I know a lot of people have them and really like them, so maybe I should give it a try?

OctaneGuy shared with me some type of AOL type program that somehow works with all of them and enables you to work with just the one program.

Mike

[OctaneGuy]

It's called Trillian, and is the best tool I know of to integrate all the popular IM tools available. You get ICQ, AIM, Yahoo IM, IRC all under a single interface. No need to log in to or have separate IM programs. The latest version even shows you which accounts have email. For instance I have several Yahoo email/YIM accounts. No need for me to log in and see if I got mail. It tells me right away, and I can click it, and it goes to that email.

It's pretty cool, especially considering it's free.

re: Annoying Pop Ups
You can block people and even appear invisible while allowing some people to see you. I normally have it set to invisible, what they see on their IM is that I'm not logged on. Works great! You can also carry on multiple chats.

http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/downloads/

Richard

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
I've been on the Internet since 1993, started out using Mosaic Beta 1.2 for a web browser. Over all this time, I've never tried or felt the need to use one of the many instant messenger programs because I already receive a ton of e-mail and PM's and I think having messages pop up that I need to reply to would be annoying.

Plus I like having a record of what I type and send out, since I've never used any of these programs I don't know for sure but do you have a archive somewhere that you can access?

I know a lot of people have them and really like them, so maybe I should give it a try?

OctaneGuy shared with me some type of AOL type program that somehow works with all of them and enables you to work with just the one program.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Question:

If I start using one of these IM programs, if I send a message, or recieve a message, are any of these messages archived anywhere for me, or for the some company?

In other words is there an accessible record?

If so, how much space does it offer?

The last thing I need is another e-mail account to maintain.

Mike

[OctaneGuy]

Yahoo IM does not automatically log your discussion unless you enable it. In order to use Trillian, you will need to create an account on Yahoo and AOL first. You just don't need to use their software.

In Trillian, you will need to plugin your username/password info to access your accounts. Your discussions are kept in a log file for each recipient. So lets say your addressbook contains 10 people--as you talk to each person, there will be a text file created under that name--and you can look back at the discussion any time. There is no size limit, and it's stored locally on your computer.

As far as email address. When you create your Yahoo account, you will get a free email address with 250MB of space but there is no need to use it--just don't give it out. You can use all the Yahoo IM features without using the email address. Of course, Trillian will also tell you if you have any email there, so it's not really a big deal.

AIM is AOL and you won't get an email address unless you are already an AOL subscriber. However creating an AIM account doesn't require you to be an AOL subscriber. I don't have AOL, but I do have an AIM account.

Richard

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Question:

If I start using one of these IM programs, if I send a message, or recieve a message, are any of these messages archived anywhere for me, or for the some company?

In other words is there an accessible record?

If so, how much space does it offer?

The last thing I need is another e-mail account to maintain.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Clear as #1 Medium Cut Cleaner!

I'll let you show me this stuff at the Mini Cooper event coming up then maybe give it a test drive.

Mike

[OctaneGuy]

Hahah. I'll have my laptop set up on a wireless connection in my garage, so no problems on demoing Trillian. Make sure to remind me because I know it's gonna be crazy!

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Clear as #1 Medium Cut Cleaner!

I'll let you show me this stuff at the Mini Cooper event coming up then maybe give it a test drive.

Mike

[Vandelete]

I Use trillian too..it`s a great program too..but. i would recommend the pro version because the basic has too many restrictions i suppose. but after all it`s a start using the basic version

[ftboomer]

I also use Trillian, and yes Mike, all instant meseengers have the ability to turn ON or OFF message archiving.

[OctaneGuy]

I guess since I haven't tried the Pro version, I don't know what I'm missing out.

At this point, I'd just like to get Mike set up using SOMETHING, and he can decide what's best.

Btw, can you tell me some of the things I AM missing out???

Richard

Originally posted by Vandelete
I Use trillian too..it`s a great program too..but. i would recommend the pro version because the basic has too many restrictions i suppose. but after all it`s a start using the basic version

[ftboomer]

Comparison

[Rockpick]

I frequently use MSN Messenger and AOL IM.

AIM - Rockpick22
MSN - Rockpick

[Aurora40]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
I've been on the Internet since 1993, started out using Mosaic Beta 1.2 for a web browser. Over all this time, I've never tried or felt the need to use one of the many instant messenger programs because I already receive a ton of e-mail and PM's and I think having messages pop up that I need to reply to would be annoying.

Plus I like having a record of what I type and send out, since I've never used any of these programs I don't know for sure but do you have a archive somewhere that you can access?

You can also use GAIM with various services like AIM, MSN, etc: http://gaim.sourceforge.net/

It is totally free, no "pro" version required. It does have the ability to log your IM's, and as said, they are stored locally.

I don't believe all Instant Messenger programs will do this, though. I don't believe AIM does anymore.

And yes, I use AOL and AIM... All day in fact...

[SingingSabre]

I prefer using MSN, Yahoo!, and AIM as seperate programs. I've had annoying experiences with Trillian in the past.

Also, I find more functionality with all three programs, rather than just with one single program. The skins are fun, though!