Enhanced IM (Direct IM) allows you to send Instant Messages (IMs) directly from one computer to another. Usually, IMs are routed first to the AOL® service and then forwarded to the recipient.
The Enhanced IM feature includes the following:
- Picture transfer
- File transfer
- AOL Talk
- AOL Live Video IM
FAQs
What are the requirements for using the Enhanced IM features?
How do I start using the Enhanced IM features?
How do I stay safe when using Enhanced IMs?
How do I control the use of Enhanced IMs in my account?
What are the requirements for using the Enhanced IM features?
Both you and your buddy must be signed on with AOL® 9.0 Optimized or higher versions of the AOL® software. Some features, such as AOL Live Video IM, require a video camera, speakers, and headphones. For more information about specific Enhanced IM features, such as sending files through IM, please refer to AOL Help.
How do I start using the Enhanced IM features?
To start using Enhanced IMs, start a conversation with a buddy, who has the ability to use Enhanced IMs, and select an option from the Enhanced IM buttons in the IM window. The Enhanced IM buttons are as follows:
- Send Picture
- Start AOL Talk Session
- Send File
- Start AOL Live Video IM Session
How do I stay safe when using Enhanced IMs?
Only accept Enhanced IMs from people you know. Remember that information exchanged during an Enhanced IM session is not subject to AOL Terms of Service. You will not have the opportunity to report any objectionable material that you may receive.
Keep the virus protection on your computer up-to-date. Do not accept any files, images, or other information if your virus protection warns you of a possible virus associated with the file.
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How can I control the use of Enhanced IMs in my account?
To control the use of Enhanced IM features in your account
1. Go to AOL® Keyword: Parental Controls.
Note: You will need to sign on with a master screen name to change the settings of the other screen names in your account.
2. Click the screen name link for which you want to adjust the control.
3. In the Web Browsing Controls section, click the Allow your child to access drop-down menu to open it, and select the desired level of control by clicking one of the listed options.
4. Click Save, and then click OK.
5. In the Instant Message Controls section, click the Allow your child to IM with drop-down menu to open it, and select the desired level of control by clicking one of the listed options.
6. Click Save, and then click OK.
7. Click X to close the window.
Note: The table given below provides information on how Enhanced IM works with different combinations of Web Browsing Controls and Instant Message Controls.
| Web Browsing Controls |
Instant Message Controls |
Enhanced IM |
| All Web sites |
All users |
You can use all the features of Enhanced IM. |
| Any option other than All Web sites |
All users |
Depending on the option selected for Web Browsing Controls, Enhanced IM may not work if any adult, violent, or unknown content is sent. |
| Any option other than All Web sites |
Only users I list |
Enhanced IM works only if the buddy to whom you want to send an Enhanced IM is added to the list. |
| Any option |
No one |
None of the Enhanced IM features work. |
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