You can go to AOL's website and click on the "messenger" button. When you click on the button it will ask you if you'd like to install the AOL Messenger program. Click "yes" and it will download ad then install the program. Then you can follow the instructions for setting up a user or screen name. Once you are connected you can search for friends through the "Find Buddy" menu. Or if you already know someone's screen name it's as simple as adding them to your Buddy List and clicking on the IM button to send them a message. A window will pop-up on both your screen and theirs and they will be able to respond. When you sign on you will be able to see which of your "Buddies" are online and it allows you to organize them into special folders such as work etc. It's a new way of communicating, but once you get the hang of it it's amazing.
