Buddy List
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The term Buddy List is a trademarked term of AOL, referring to the list of frequent contacts used in connection with AOL's Internet software and its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) program. The buddy list is the main program interface of AIM from which all other program features can be accessed.
[edit] History
In the early 1990’s, the precursor to AOL's “Buddy List” was developed and released as an add-on to America Online’s first version of their AOL software for Windows. Prior to America Online’s software release for Windows, AOL ran under DOS within another graphical user interface called GEOS. WAOL PAL was developed as a plug-in to AOL, which optionally launched WAOL, and was developed as a solution to display a user's contacts who were connected to theAmerican Online network.
Sam Hazan was the developer and author of the original version of what has become today’s Buddy List, then dubbed the WAOL PAL. The name WAOL PAL was derived from AOL's own naming convention for their AOL Windows’ version of the software "WAOL". Much excitement was generated over this shareware that was distributed in the early 1990s to 2000 by SNR Software, a Software Company that was based out of Phoenix, Arizona. This shareware version of WAOL PAL was available as a download on AOL, and on many bulletin board services (BBS). Sam Hazan (SNR Software) also distributed many shareware copies at various AOL user group meetings throughout the United States. WAOL PAL (version 1.10) was also distributed as a disk insert with the book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to AOL.”
Due to the popularity of the application America Online upgraded their software to a version which came with a built-in buddy list. This made WAOL PAL, as an add-on, obsolete.
Waol pal 02.jpg
WAOL PAL screen display when "MORE" button is selected |
Waol pal 03.jpg
WAOL PAL screen shot to input new buddy |
