How to Extract Files and Install A Skin

Currently this extraction tutorial is made only for Aim 6 skins.
This tutorial has been updated for July 27th, 2009

I often get many questions on how to extract files from a zip file. This process is not too difficult but people seem very confused over the file itself. This tutorial will show you how to extract a file to any directory. The second part of the tutorial will apply these steps to skins hosted on this site.

This tutorial is made through Windows XP, if you are using another Operating System such as Windows Vista, certain names and functions will differ. Please follow the general idea of this tutorial to get a handle on zip files.

Page 2: Installing a skin

Aim 6.8 Beta 2

Additional Plugins 

Aim 6.8 Beta 2, has launched with some reorganized features moved into different locations. Most notably, AOL Music, AIM Call Out, AOL Hot Searches, and AIM Mobile has been moved into a new My Plugins button. The My Plugins feature will allow developers and users to pick and choose what extra features they want with AIM. You are no longer tied to the four buttons at the bottom of the buddy list since now you can disable them and pick only the ones you like.

Two additional plugins were added called Notes and Stock Quotes. Notes allows you to write notes within your buddy list. Stock quotes just show Stocks within a small window. This is not a full featured Stock Ticker like many have been requesting but its a start.

Skinning Additions

If you’ve been skinning Aim, there has been some new functions added

    <linearGradientBrush id=”gradient.uiPluginPopup”>

        <rotateTransform center=”50% 50%” angle=”-90″/>

        <gradientStops>

            <gradientStop offset=”0%” color=”#FFFFFF”/>

            <gradientStop offset=”100%” color=”#EFFAFF”/>

        </gradientStops>

    </linearGradientBrush>

   <pen id=”pen.uiPluginPopup.border” color=”#000000″ WIDTH=”1″ /> 

gradient.uiPluginPopup, which was a pain to find, controls the box that shows up when you hover over “My Plugins”

pen.uiPluginPopup.border, controls the border around said box.

 

Look at how Things don’t work! :3

OS X Leopard Skin Preview

Aim 6.5 Skin: OS X Leopard

= Download This Skin =

So anyway the skin will be included in an OS pack which will include, Windows Vista, OS X Leopard, and Windows XP skin. If you have any OS skin requests speak now or forever hold your peace!

AIM OS Skin Pack:

–Windows Vista Basic [Blue] + Windows Vista [Black]

–OS X Leopard [Frost] + OS X Leopard [Grey]

–Windows XP Royal Blue

Aim 6.8 Skin: Vista Basic Theme

Introduction

Vista Basic is a skin featuring a design similar to the default Windows Vista Basic theme.

Vista Basic is a part of the OS skin pack which includes five skins:

• AimXP
• AIMXP Blue
• Vista Basic
• OSX Leopard
• OSX Leopard White

Each skin is included in the pack, you do not need to download them separately.

read more

Aim 6.5.4.16 launches with Text Ads!? Plus News on Aim Security Exploit!

Aim 6.5 Nearing Completion

AOL has released Aim 6.5.4.15, this newest version doesn’t add anything major in terms of features, which means Aim 6.5 is very very close to being Gold Master. The most notable new feature is new skins, now there are 20 skins to choose from for both light and dark themes. You can now stream music with Aim Tunes, and other UI edits and enhancements. The Buddy info now displays buddy updates on the side in its own little box. To the left you will see the regular buddy info. Sometimes the buddy updates do not load so the buddy info is displayed in full width. Aim has added the newest annoyance, Text Ads!, but when you think about it, Text Ads aren’t as annoying as music ads. So lets hope AOL decides to remove that large ad box at the top and give us back the buddy list we so desire!

AIM Security Hole

I’ve been asked on the situation of the “AIM Virus” that the major news companies have been reporting. I’ll cover this briefly. According to AOL’s statements, if you have Aim 6.5.4.16, you should be immune to any attacks that rise up. However Aim 6.1, 6.2, Pro, and Aim Lite are still affected. AOL has silently patched these versions for the majority of attacks, however according to the security research findings, these versions are still vulnerable to attacks. It seems AOL wanted to avoid releasing a new version AIM that patches this and just monitor IM streams for suspicious activity. Right now they don’t have any reports if Aim 6.5.4.16 is vulnerable right now. AOL at the time said that the next AIM beta version will patch this hole. Now that Aim 6.5.4.16 has been released, it should be safe to use.  

Skins in My Aim?

Well lets thank the developers for not changing the UI so drastically, this time my work converting skins to was less stressful. About 2 new IDs were added and they actually help make dark themes look better. Even though there are 20 skins to choose from, why not have 4 more colors just for fun. As promised, new skins will be on the way, Windows Vista Aero Basic Themes are coming up. Oh and one more thing, 4 more colors just for fun means FOUR MORE COLORS! Now all 4 colors are included in the download, so you can switch between any of them as much as you like. If you need skins, just click the Aim Skins category on the left. As always, check the FAQ for help on what version your supposed to be using.