#### Connection Preferences

If you access the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you most likely will not need to make any changes to the server or proxy sections of the Connection Preferences. However, if you access the Internet through a Local Area Network firewall (for example, at your workplace), then your network administrator may need to configure the proxy section of the Connection Preferences.

You can set these options:

Server

- Host: This field contains the default Internet address of the AOL Instant Messenger (SM) server. Under normal circumstances, you do not need to change this field. If you should change it accidentally, click Reset to restore the default address.
- Server Port: This field contains the default server port number to be used on the AOL Instant Messenger (SM) server. Under normal circumstances, you do not need to change this field. If you should change it accidentally, click Reset to restore the default port number.
- Reset: Allows the service to restore the default Server Host and Port values.

Direction Connection: Lets you connect directly to the server.

Using proxy: If you select this option, the AOL Instant Messenger (SM) software activates the proxy server controls. Proxy servers serve as firewalls for extra security protection for some businesses and organizations.

Proxy Server:

- Host: You must enter the name of the proxy server.
- Port: You must enter the port number to be used on the proxy server.

Protocol: Specify whether your proxy server uses the SOCKS 4, SOCKS 5, HTTP, or HTTPS protocol.

Authentication:

- Username: You must enter the authentication username required by the proxy.
- Password: You must enter the authentication password required by the proxy.