1. Launch the iChat application.

2. Select iChat/Preferences... from the menu.

3. Click on the Accounts icon.

4. Click on the + button at the bottom left of the window.

5. In the Account Type pull down menu, choose AIM Account.

6. Enter your screen name and password. (Sign up for an AIM Screen Name or a trial .Mac account)

7. Click the Add button.

8. Choose Window/Buddy List from the menu.

9. Click the + button at the bottom left to add a buddy.

10. Click the New Person button (or select a buddy from your address book).

11. Select AIM in the Account Type pulldown menu.

12. Enter your buddy's Account Name and click the Add button.

13. From your buddy list, double click a buddy to start a chat. Note the green icons; they tell you whether your buddy can do audio or video (one way or multi-way). To do a multi-way chat, command-click to select multiple people and right click to do a multi-way audio or video chat.