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AOL Instant Messenger Tips

When using programs such as AIM that allow other people to access files on your computer and personal information about you, it is good to know exactly what other people can see and what they can access. Here you will find some helpful tips on how to ensure secure use of AIM.

Sign In:
When you sign in for the first time after downloading AIM, the default setting is to save your password and automatically log you in whenever you start AIM. To cancel this option, make sure the box next to "save password" (located under the box where you type your password) is not checked.

If you are signed into AIM, you can cancel this option by clicking on My AIM > Edit Options > Edit Preferences; click on Sign On/Off and make sure the box next to Save Password is not checked.

Preference Setting Security:
To edit your preferences, click My AIM | Edit Options | Edit Preferences

File Sharing:
**Important!!** Make sure you know your Shared File Location! If you do not, you could be allowing others to access your personal files. It is best to create a separate folder in "My Documents" (or somewhere that can be easily accessed) and use that folder strictly for files you want to share Use the settings under File Access to make sure you know who you are granting access to. If you do plan to share files, it is best to restrict access to only the users on your buddy list. For users on your buddy list you can either allow all of them full access or choose Display Approve Dialogue (meaning you have to click yes to allow them to transfer a file).

File Transfer:
This lets you specify where transferred files will go when they arrive on your computer. You can either use the same folder as above or create a new folder. Under Receive File Permission, you can also choose a setting for when others want to send you files. If you plan on receiving files, it is best to choose "Display Approve Dialogue from all users or users not on buddy list". The last option available is to choose to reject all files.

Privacy:
Under "Who Can Contact Me" click "Allow only users on my buddy list". This will only allow people on your buddy list to Instant Message you or have access to files specified by you. If someone who is not on your buddy list sends you an Instant Message, you may enable an "Accept Message" dialogue that tells you the screenname of the person who sent the message and asks you to click either yes to accept it or no to reject it. See below under IM/Chat for how to enable this setting.

In the privacy section, you can also choose what information you would like other users to see. You can allow other users to see how long you've been idle. You can also determine whether or not users who know your email address will be able to find out your screenname.

Sign On/Off:
In addition to the settings mentioned above, you may also choose whether or not to start AIM when you start your computer. You may also enable/disable other options such as having the AIM Today window pop up when you sign on.

IM/Chat:
This tab allows you to configure options that deal with your IM or chat window. Options include setting the enter key to send a message or insert a return and inserting a time stamp on all messages. As mentioned above, this is also where you also can check to "Accept Message" from users not on your buddy list.

Font, AIM Expressions, Buddy Icons, Idle Message, Away Message, Mail, Stock Ticker, and News Ticker:
These are all categories that you can use to change various settings within AIM. Changing any of these options within each category will not affect the security of your computer.

IM Image:
This allows you to determine who you accept images from via IM. If you plan to share images, it is best to choose "Display Approve Dialogue for both buddies and other users" although you may also choose to allow buddies and only Display Approve Dialogue for other users.tion useful and will gladly answer any questions that you may have about saving documents to prevent possible loss. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to contact us using the information below.