How to Set Up and Use AOL Buddy Lists and Instant Messenger

The AOL Buddy List allows you to enter the screen name of a friend or family member into your list, and Instant Message them when they appear online. (If you don’t have AOL, you can still use AOL Instant Messenger service. Download it for free at AOL Instant Messenger: Get It Now.)

Click on the People section of the AOL toolbar and click ‘Buddy List’ in the menu that appears.  In the Buddy List window, click on ‘Setup.’ This opens another window which will give you set-up options for your Buddy List. The default categories are Buddies, Family and Co-Workers. If you do not want these group names you can click on them once, then click remove or rename.

To add a buddy, click on the ‘Add Buddy’ icon and then enter the screen-name (not the email address) of the person you want to add. Click ‘Save.’ Your buddy will be added and then you will be able to see when they are online. To remove a name, click ‘Setup,’ and highlight the name you want to take off the list. Click ‘Remove.’

To further customize your Buddy List, click on ‘Setup’ and then click the box that says ‘Preferences.’ The first set of Preferences is for your Buddy List. Read through the options and click on the ones you want. Click ‘Save.’

Using AOL Instant Messenger

To select an icon that will be shown on your Instant Messages, click the Instant Messages tab from the Buddy List Preference window. Go through and pick the one you want by clicking on the little picture. To get through the list of icons click the ‘Next’ arrow.

Click on the Privacy tab and check out those options as well. Be sure to click ‘Save’ or ‘Apply’ in order for your selections to be recognized.

You may want to set up an Away Message so your Buddies will know when you are unavailable to chat. Click on that little button and select one of the preset AOL messages or ‘Set Up Away Messages’ to write your own. To enter your own message, click on ‘New.’ Title your message and type it out, then close that box. To turn on your Away Message click on ‘Away Message’ and then click the one you want to display.

To Instant Message someone whose name appears online on your Buddy List, highlight their name and click the ‘Send IM’ icon. You can also set up a Buddy Chat by clicking on the ‘Buddy Chat’ icon. Add one or more names from your list that you would like to chat with and click Send. This invites the selected Buddies to your own chat room.