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View Full Version : Really off-topic, but is there a decent alternative to AOL IM service (not software)?



newb001
12-15-2017, 09:56 AM
Is there a simple replacement service for AOL IM service?

I don't need anything fancy/secure, just a simple way to IM with the wife on occasion...

We use Pidgin software, and I thought AOL was just shutting down their software, I didn't realize the service was going away too (yes, I should have realized that!).

zmcgovern45
12-15-2017, 10:04 AM
Google hangouts... facebook messenger...

newb001
12-15-2017, 10:23 AM
Thanks, but those don't have standalone apps on the computer. I did look at google hangouts chrome app, but it works kind of weird. i really like how Pidgin (or the old AOL IM sofware) is a small, simple, piece of software that loads on our computers.

Desertnate
12-15-2017, 10:49 AM
What about Skype? I haven't used it on a personal computer in years, but use the IM portion of Skype for Business on a daily basis.

newb001
12-15-2017, 11:14 AM
Hadn't thought of that. I'll take a look.

Pats300zx
12-15-2017, 11:15 AM
OMG...do people still use AOL Instant Messenger? I thought that died years ago.

newb001
12-15-2017, 11:26 AM
OMG...do people still use AOL Instant Messenger? I thought that died years ago.

Yeah :) My wife and I use it for quick messages when we're on our computers. It's a great way to go back and forth without having to wait for emails to send/receive, and w/o having to type (possibly long) text messages...

Cruzscarwash
12-15-2017, 04:33 PM
lol.. AOL.. A/S/L..lol

I use google, as long as your email is open the messages are instant and it pops up just like the old IM from what I can remember

custmsprty
12-15-2017, 07:03 PM
Yeah :) My wife and I use it for quick messages when we're on our computers. It's a great way to go back and forth without having to wait for emails to send/receive, and w/o having to type (possibly long) text messages...

Have you tried whatsapp?

Ancient1
12-15-2017, 08:01 PM
Back in the day the only program I used is ICQ. I haven't used it on close to 15 years now but I see it is still alive. I know a lot of forums still have a place for your ICQ #

Cruzscarwash
12-15-2017, 08:02 PM
Back in the day the only program I used is ICQ. I haven't used it on close to 15 years now but I see it is still alive. I know a lot of forums still have a place for your ICQ #Icq wow haven't hear that in a long time

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

yakky
12-15-2017, 09:46 PM
Thanks, but those don't have standalone apps on the computer. I did look at google hangouts chrome app, but it works kind of weird. i really like how Pidgin (or the old AOL IM sofware) is a small, simple, piece of software that loads on our computers.
Hangouts works just fine with Pidgin. I use it everyday.

newb001
12-19-2017, 03:44 PM
Have you tried whatsapp?

That's what I've ended up using. I actually like that it works on both the PC and phone.