America Online has quietly flipped a switch in its instant-messaging service that lets users log on concurrently from multiple locations.

Like other public instant-messaging services, AOL's AIM previously automatically disconnected a user from an earlier session if that user signed on at another computer.

However, users now can log on and remain connected from multiple machines. Messages will be sent to all active sessions, AOL says on a Web page explaining the change.

According to AOL, the feature is designed to accommodate users who want to remain connected to the Internet via AOL's client software but use the standalone AIM client for instant messaging.