[myasam]

I am trying to rid myself of AOL charges while my kids use instant messaging. AOL is not my service provider, although once upon a time they were. My kids use AOL IM. In trying to canacel AOL service, they insist the IM ability will cease. I know that many others use AOL IM without having them as the service provider and do not pay a monthly charge. Where am I going wrong?

I was told that if my kids do not currently use their original screen name (sign-on) that AOL can be disconnected and IM usage still available. Is this true?

I would appreciate any advice someone out there can provide.

Cathy

[Advertisements]

If you are a current AOL Subscriber and then you cancel your service, they will delete your screen name. Thats likely what they are talking about.

You dont even have to use AIM to use the AIM service, I use Miranda-IM. Its free, light, and allows you to use all the chat services. Your kids may need to change their screen names after you cancel your service, this might be a good time for you to switch to something better.

ScHwErV

[ScHwErV]

If you are a current AOL Subscriber and then you cancel your service, they will delete your screen name. Thats likely what they are talking about.

You dont even have to use AIM to use the AIM service, I use Miranda-IM. Its free, light, and allows you to use all the chat services. Your kids may need to change their screen names after you cancel your service, this might be a good time for you to switch to something better.

ScHwErV

[myasam]

Thank you for your speedy reply.
It's my understanding that in cancelling, their initial screen names will be cancelled but not their current screen name. Do you know this to be true?

Also, what do they have to do to switch to Miranda-IM? Will they have to notify all their buddies or choose a new screen name?

[dsenette]

they should just need to pick a different screen name after you turn off the aol...basically if you download aim as the stand-alone program they can set up their screen names and then message evryone then cancel aol

[myasam]

Okay - They can do that. Can I download Miranda-IM and start using immediately? Is it safe to download this without worrying about a bunch of junk coming with it?

[ScHwErV]

Yes. Miranda is open source and very nice.

http://www.miranda-im.com

ScHwErV

[dsenette]

i have never used miranda...but i'm pretty shure ScHwErVe wouldn't lead you wrong.....he's a smart cookie

[myasam]

Thank you so very much. You are all so great!