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44: iChat vs AIM

One of the pieces of software that comes with your laptop is iChat, Apple's version of AIM. It uses the same protocol as AIM, however it has some expanded features that AIM for Mac does not have.

First, iChat does not have the News Ticker, or any ads on it which can be distracting and/or may leave tracking info on your computer, presenting a security risk. You will also find that you won't get kicked off as often using iChat as you have when using AIM.

Second, iChat has the ability to have "Audio Only" conversations with people. Instead of using a phone, if both users are using iChat or if one is using AIM and has a microphone installed, they can set up an audio conversation. This can be useful if you go home for a weekend and still need to be a part of a study group. The current version of iChat allows up to ten people to participate in a group audio chat. To activate an audio chat, click on the telephone symbol by the buddy'sname and your audio conversation will begin.

Third, iChat has the ability to do Video chats with other people who have a video camera and microphone. From iChat you can perform 2, 3, or 4-Way video chats with other buddies on iChat. If your buddy is on a Windows machine using AIM, you can do a 2-way chat. With the MacBook and MacBook Pro, you have the ease of using the built in camera and microphone to do a 2, 3 or 4 way chat. Please note, if you do not own a MacBook or MacBook Pro, you will need to puchase an external webcam such as an iSight in order to do video chats.

For more information about setting up and using iChat, visit the For information about troubleshooting with iChat, visit the Apple web site.

Apple has its own article on this which can be found at http://www.apple.com/ichat/

This article was last edited on Feb-06-2007 11:44 am
This article can be referenced by its article number: 44 or by any of the following keywords: aol instant messenger ichat video conference, audio conference telephony telephone AIM video conference video