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FAQ about Linux Error Messages

	Q:	AIM sound doesn't work on my Linux machine. How can I get sound to work?
	A:	AIM uses esd library for the sound. On recent Mandrake and Debian GNU releases, there is no libesd.so linked (DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS.) to real esd library in /usr/lib directory. To make sound work, enter the following: • ln -s libesd.so.0 libesd.so • ln -s libesddsp.so.0 libesddsp.so • in /usr/lib directory
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	Q:	When I download AIM, unintelligible messages appear on screen. How should I handle these
	A:	The browser is attempting to display a file it cannot interpret. Simply right click on the link and choose "save as" to download AIM.
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	Q:	Is it possible for me to run Linux AIM in other Unix systems like FreeBSD?
	A:	The new FreeBSD Ports System now includes the Linux AIM client. The port is called 'aim' and is found in the 'net' category. For those users who still run the old BSD, some users reported they can run it with the following conditions: 1.) Linux Compatibility must be enabled; 2.) The files inux files libgdk-1.2.so.0 and libgtk-1.2.so.0 must be placed in the /compat/linux/lib directory.
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	Q:	What do I need to get started?
	A:	All you need is the AOL Instant Messenger(SM) (AIM) software and a computer with a connection to the Internet. AOL Instant Messenger(SM) runs on your existing Internet connection, so when you connect to the Internet (in your usual way), you can use AIM the same way you use any other Internet program -- by double-clicking the program icon. At home, you probably connect to the Internet by dialing into your Internet Service Provider (ISP). At the office or school, your computer probably connects to a Local Area Network (LAN).
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	Q:	What Is Instant Messaging?
	A:	Instant messaging is a convenient way to see when friends and family are online and communicate with them in real time. Its faster than e-mail and more convenient that picking up the phone.
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	Q:	I'm getting error messages. What should I do?
	A:	The specific answer will depend on what the error message is. Please fill out a bug report and send it to us with the error message you see.
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	Q:	Is AIM Open Source?
	A:	No
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	Q:	What should I do if I have forgotten my password?
	A:	When you enter an invalid password, AIM displays an error message. In the error message window, click More Info. After your browser opens to the Lost Password Web Site, enter your screen name, and click Submit.   Your password will be sent to the most current e-mail address we have on record for your screen name. If you have changed your e-mail address and did not notify the AIM system of that update, then your password will still be sent to your old e-mail address. If this occurs and you are no longer able to access e-mail at your old address, then there is no way for us to inform you of your AIM password. In this case, you must register another screen name by choosing on the Sign On screen, and then clicking Sign On. Therefore, if you are planning to change your e-mail address, update your new address in AIM before you delete the old e-mail account. Also, if your AIM screen name is the same as your AOL screen name, then you can sign onto AOL with that screen name and go to Keyword: AIM PASSWORD.
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	Q:	Can I use my AOL SN on Linux?
	A:	Yes
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	Q:	Does AIM work behind firewalls?
	A:	Normally it works, but it all depends on how your network administrator set up the firewall. In case it doesn't work with the default setup, first check to see if you need a proxy server when you connect to the Internet (check on Netscape browser: Edit->Preference->Advanced->Proxies). Check with your network administrator. If you don't need a proxy server, but default port 5190 doesn't work, then just change it to 80 or some other popular port number from the Setup->Connect in Sign on window.
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	Q:	What is TOC? What is OSCAR? Which one does AIM use?
	A:	AOL has two protocols for the AIM service. OSCAR is a proprietary protocol that most AIM clients use. TOC is a simpler protocol that AOL introduced for its Java-based "AIM Express" AIM client.
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	Q:	What platforms are clients being developed for?
	A:	The Aim client has been developed for: Windows (95, 98, 2000 and NT) Macintosh Java (compiled and cross platform) Linux
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	Q:	Where is my buddy list stored?
	A:	Currently, your buddy list is stored on AOL's servers.
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	Q:	Can I create new accounts using AIM? Can I change the passwords on my current accounts?
	A:	Yes, if you select as signon screenname and click sign on, AIM will bring an instruction dialog for how to create a new account. (I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PRECEDING SENTENCE MEANS. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO WORK THAT WAY. SHOULDN'T THEY CLICK "GET A SCREEN NAME"?) You can change your password and email address from the My AIM-> Change Options menu.
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	Q:	When will features such as search for a friend be available? How about getting a person's away message without messaging him or her? Or sending files to AIM users?
	A:	We are continually working on adding new features to AIM. New builds will be released monthly.
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	Q:	What do I do if upon sign-on my window disappears?
	A:	Remove your ~/.aim/'username'/profile or modify the ImWnd line under the [WindowPos] header to any smaller number.
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	Q:	I get a segmentation fault when I try to start aim after upgrading. What should I do?
	A:	Type cd ~/.aim and delete the file "Xpcs Registry.dat" which will be in that directory. (The ~ is a shortcut for your home directory.) If you still have trouble starting aim, please file a bug report.
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