un;ess your PC is a really slow decrepid old thing running another IM client won't slow it down much. in fact if you switch to using GAIM you can use your AOL and MSN accounts in teh same 'program'
You do still need Broadband though Brian!
PS, stick your AOL Im name in your profile so those of us that have them all, (Yes, sad techies normally!) can add you for a natter