To open the AOL Instant Messenger application, first press JUMP then roll the TRACKBALL until you highlight the Instant Messaging icon in the left-hand "ring" of applications. Press or roll the TRACKBALL right to open the second-level ring of applications, then highlight AOL Instant Messenger. The AOL Instant Messenger "splash" screen will appear on the right. The AOL Instant Messenger splash screen lists all your active conversations along with the buddy screen name and the conversation number. The screen also tells you how many of your buddies are online at the time and the screen name you're currently using. You can use the conversation shortcuts ( ) to jump to a conversation from the Jump screen.
If you are out-of-network and therefore unable to connect to AIM, you will see an X in the radio signal area of the title bar:

If you have been disconnected from the IM server, you will see this icon in the title bar: