There are a couple of free programs out there to use as an alternative to AIM. You can do a google search for free alternatives. The one most talked about and the most popular one is a program called Trillian. It will let you IM with people no matter what they use, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, etc. It's a well respected program. Check it out if you are uneasy with AIM.
Thanks, I will check them out. I'm about as computer illiterate as they come.