AIM allows users to communicate instantly through text to their "buddies" around the world, provided they have the AIM software. AIM has 53 million users (March 2003), with a large portion using Internet slang. AOL also has a member directory where AIM users can locate others online who share their interests. AIM is also noteworthy for its use of buddy icons and buddy profiles, allowing its users to construct a personal avatar and small personal information page.
AIM's setup varies greatly from Windows Live Messenger in that it does not require approval from one buddy to be added to another's buddy list (MSN's default settings notify its users after someone has added them to their list and let them choose whether or not to block that user).
Source: Wikipedia
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