 
pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | Lame Even at free their service is still overpriced.
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Tancredo 2008! | |
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N3OGH
Bear patrol must be working like a charm
Premium
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs | Re: Lame Free for all! Garbage!
Come get your free garbage, courtesy AOL!
Also included with every order, a side of SPAM... | |
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elvey
Spamassassin
join:2001-02-17
San Francisco, CA
 ·Pacific Bell - SBC
 ·Comcast
·SONIC.NET
| Re: Lame said by N3OGH  :Free for all! Garbage! Come get your free garbage, courtesy AOL! Also included with every order, a side of SPAM... AOL has some of the best spam filtering around. Of course an address that isn't well known to spammers will get less spam than an aol account that is on the millions CDs spammers sell each other, but if you, for example, simultaneously create new aol, hotmail, gmail, and fastmail accounts, normally configured, and post to usenet with them, I think the AOL account will get the least spam.
AOL also does a better job at preventing spammers from abusing its network.
--
SBC is the world's second-largest SpamHaus and leads an Organized Crime Syndicate. Also see TURN.org or UCAN. | |
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AtomicZero
join:2004-11-24
West Palm Beach, FL | yeah. I'm kinda still shocked it's still around...really | |
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53059959
Temp banned from BBR more then anyone
join:2002-10-02
PwnZone | said by this article :
you should be able to call them today and have all charges lifted
hahaha!
good luck with that. | |
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Fatal Vector
join:2005-11-26 | Re: Lame
And the usual round of dumb bash AOL posts, I see.
Really. If you dont have something usefull or constructive to say, why post at all? | |
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OceanaJones
join:2004-10-18
Suffolk, VA | Re: Lame Lambasting AOL is constructive. Everything bad folks say about it is true. | |
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Fobulous
Premium
join:2002-08-14
Missouri City, TX
clubs:
·Comcast
| said by Fatal Vector :And the usual round of dumb bash AOL posts, I see. Really. If you dont have something usefull or constructive to say, why post at all? To increase post count?
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After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager."
- William S. Burroughs
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Jafo232
You Can't Spell Democrat Without Rat.
Premium
join:2002-10-17
Boonville, NY
·RoadRunner Cable
| This is a good move. I got AOL about 10 years ago when there really wasn't anything else to get. When Broadband finally became available in my area, I just kept AOL.
After a while I got tired of the bloated software and just downloaded their communicator software which lets you turn services off. I just use their mail program which is much better than Outlook, Thunderbird, etc..
I called up, AOL is now free for me, except for any premium charges. I use AOL voicemail (it is really good) so I will still be paying $5 a month.
I asked the cust rep if they would have an ala cart dialup service (for the times when my cable goes out) and he said no, but he said that was a pretty good idea and asked if it was ok if when he recomended it to the higher ups if he used my name. I dunno if he was blowing smoke up my butt, but I told him no problem.
I called at 11:45 pm and only had to wait a couple minutes, but I bet if you call between 6am and 8pm in the next few days, you will be waiting forever.
Good move on AOL's part.
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Write Your News, Find Your News At PingPost.com | |
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Nymostwanted
Who Cares?
Premium
join:2004-06-25
New York, NY | Good for them Sounds like a good deal for AOL lovers... But for now, I will stick to Mozilla. | |
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Jim Gurd
Premium
join:2000-07-08
Plymouth, MI | Oh goody Now I can get that l33t aol.com e-mail address I always wanted. 
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Correlation does not imply causation. | |
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Toadman
How do you like these Apples
join:2001-11-28
Medina, OH | Re: Oh goody and I can finally get the chunkylover53@aol.com address I always wanted! Doh! | |
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Fatal Vector
join:2005-11-26 | Re: Oh goody
See my first post in this thread above. | |
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CO_Chris
Premium
join:2001-08-28
Broomfield, CO
1 edit | WOW WOW so does that mean that my AIM name will go back to a AOL.com email account that it was?LOL | |
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SteveLV702
Premium
join:2004-04-22
Henderson, NV | Re: WOW wow they did say if you have cancelled in the last 2 years that you can get it back...  | |
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RandomSCGVBV
Not authorized.
Premium
join:2006-04-07
Virginia Beach, VA
| Already seen in effect I think this went into effect a few days ago. A customer asked me what to do with his AOL subscription when he picked up a new cable modem on Monday, and I told him in a very neutral/non-specific way that he'd need to call them if he wanted to downgrade or terminate his service (much as I dislike AOL, I avoid saying negative things about the competition whenever possible).
When he came back later that day for a different transaction, he mentioned that the AOL representative had told him how to switch to BYOA and that it would be free.
I figured it was just some kind of temporary deal they used as a save tactic. I had no idea it was a whole new program. | |
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NyQuil Kid
8f The Nyquil Kid
join:2001-01-06
Brick, NJ
·Comcast
·Verizon Online DSL
| Re: Already seen in effect Going along with what you wrote, I wonder if anyone who is already on the BYOA plan will automatically see their bill go to zero...I wouldn't be passive about this and would recommend people call in and also check their monthly statements to see if its automatic or not.
[8F] The NyQuil Kid
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[8F] The NyQuil Kid comes into town not looking for trouble...n00bz gang up, but he ain't seein' double,...pulls and draws, his deagles two...n00bz litter the ground you know it's true. | |
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Jafo232
You Can't Spell Democrat Without Rat.
Premium
join:2002-10-17
Boonville, NY
·RoadRunner Cable
| Re: Already seen in effect said by NyQuil Kid :Going along with what you wrote, I wonder if anyone who is already on the BYOA plan will automatically see their bill go to zero...I wouldn't be passive about this and would recommend people call in and also check their monthly statements to see if its automatic or not. [8F] The NyQuil Kid You have to call in to get it changed.. At least according to:
»news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060802/ap_···walls_36
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Write Your News, Find Your News At PingPost.com | |
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CO_Chris
Premium
join:2001-08-28
Broomfield, CO | Just called and? I just called and you don't get Tech support anymore and there are some premium services you will no longer get but who cars? I don't | |
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NyQuil Kid
8f The Nyquil Kid
join:2001-01-06
Brick, NJ | When does this take effect... Anyone know? I have a few clients that won't mind saving $14.95 a month 
[8F] The NyQuil Kid | |
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| cgar
join:2006-06-26
Lewis Center, OH | Re: When does this take effect... What phone number do I call? | |
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| | BuzzDar
join:2006-01-28
West Frankfort, IL | Re: When does this take effect... how do i get this | |
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Toby983
join:2004-10-01
| Re: When does this take effect... You can get it here
»free.aol.com/tryaolfree/thenewao···2=699984
I have to set up a 10 station workstation in a nursing home today that is already on a local DSL line, but the admin wanted me to try and see if i could set up aol accounts that are supposed to be free now so that the older poeple can use it since many are already used to it. I tested in on my local lan and created an account then downloaded AOL 9.0 - easy enough - differences are just a few ads and you can't create etra screen names from within your free acount like you could with a regular AOL account with up to 7 (i think) screen names. But you can just use that same link i posted to sign up with a new ID that the page i linked then add it to the software later for new/additional users. You can still get McAffee and all the other stuff for free too (if you need it). But it works fine and is indeed free. I don't care to use it myself though as i was done with AOL about 6 years ago. | |
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Fatal Vector
join:2005-11-26
1 edit | Re: When does this take effect...
It's in effect now.
866-583-4678. | |
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| | cgar
join:2006-06-26
Lewis Center, OH | I called 866.489.4678 and in under 5 minutes my aol account is now free. Can't believe I was paying 25.90 per month. That is an extra 310.80 per year. Wow was I stupid. | |
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NyQuil Kid
8f The Nyquil Kid
join:2001-01-06
Brick, NJ | Re: When does this take effect... Are there any services that are removed? Did they say anything to you when you called?
[8F] The NyQuil Kid | |
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| | | | BuzzDar
join:2006-01-28
West Frankfort, IL
 ·magicjack.com
| Re: When does this take effect... 1. Why Is AOL Doing This?
To give members more choice and flexibility so they can get the online experience that's right for them. As AOL changes, other sources of revenue (such as advertising) will allow us to offer many of our services free of charge
2. What Is Included for Free?
Regardless of how you choose to get online, here's what you'll get for free from AOL: An email account with up to seven screen names, the Buddy List® feature, Address Book, AOL software, comprehensive safety and security protection, Parental Controls, access to millions of online videos, AOL® Radio with XM, There will still be a monthly charge to use AOL to connect to the Internet, and we will offer several reliable and affordable options, on both dial-up and broadband. These options will include access to our 24/7 Live (telephone) Customer Support, which is not available with our free services. Additionally, we will offer various a la carte products and services, many of which we will announce this Fall.
and more. | |
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| | | | | JJMoylan
join:2006-09-30
Claremont, CA | Re: When does this take effect... I changed and the only difference I noticed is that I can not view profiles anymore. I am not sure if this is deliberate or a bug, and since there is no support, I can't find out.
It is free though! | |
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cgar2
@aol.com
| I can't call customer support anymore and if you subscribe to any premium services(which I don't), you still have to pay for those and if they are billed to a bank account or phone bill aol charges a $5 per month convience fee. Also you can not use dial up.
Quick & easy. | |
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Rogers1
join:2004-10-14
Canada | w00t less calls Awesome less work for me, sorry I work Tech for AOL and I think its about time they did this. | |
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| majortom1981
join:2004-08-26
Lindenhurst, NY | Re: w00t less calls I have an aol.com email address and it works great. I do not use their stupid browser though. their spam filter does an awesome job at filtering out spam and i have no complaints. | |
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JoeN23
@comcast.net | Re: w00t less calls Their spam filter is really good, I agree with that, I get spam mails only rarely. | |
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JASON1981
@qwest.net | FREE AOL MY AOL IS NOW FREE | |
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JoeN23
@comcast.net
| Free incoming calls Does anyone know how their "free phone number and free incoming calls works?". I want more details on that, I could definitely use that. I expect its a free phone number to dial your IM, which I wouldn't mind having when I'm on my pc. That could be one of the better things they offer here. | |
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MIKETSG
join:2003-01-20
Naugatuck, CT
| Re: Software still? I only use AOL to check my mail, it's fast and painless. I use Mozilla Firefox for my GMail and other e-mail accounts and for all other browsing. I find their AOL.exe software (NOT Aol Explorer)to be pretty good and i've never really had any problems with it!
Thanks,
Mike | |
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StillNotRegistered
@navy.mil
| Re: Software still? Ditto for me.
Very few things in the Internet and computer world have irritated me as much as AOHell. Some say their SPAM filter works so well, but so do those of many others ISPs. AOL has never been "easy" or no easier than any of a number of alternatives either. It has always been a vast, unmitigated marketing machine buoyed by the gullibility and ignorance of much of the human population. I would pay good money to see them dry up and go away forever! | |
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Fatal Vector
join:2005-11-26
1 edit | Funny
I have never had any AOL software "hose" my connection or my computer. I have found that problems like that usually happen on cheap or off brand mother boards, and are not restricted to just AOL software.
Nor have I ever had a problem uninstalling or installing their software either. Other than a few minor annoyances while using it, I have found their software to be rather reliable. | |
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PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD
clubs: | Actually, no.
You didn't have to even when you *had* AOL (as most of their services were accessible via your existing Web browser and Internet software). You just had to make sure you were connected.
*smirking* | |
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Paradyne5
Premium
join:2005-01-15
Austin, TX | POP3? But will the free email be POP3? | |
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| BuzzDar
join:2006-01-28
West Frankfort, IL
·magicjack.com
| Free AOL An Important Message from AOL's CEO
Dear AOL Member,
I want to let you know about some exciting changes happening at AOL. Our service has always been an all-in-one solution for our members, consisting of:
Connectivity - a way of connecting to the Internet (through a dial-up or high-speed connection), and Content and Services - bringing you useful tools and features like email, security and an entertaining online experience once you're connected. Today we are announcing that AOL's software, email, and other compelling AOL features will be free to everyone who has an Internet connection -- including your Address Book, Screen Name, the Buddy List® feature and more. AOL will continue to provide a dial-up connection for you, and we will continue to offer several reliable and affordable options for getting online.
What Does This Mean for You?
Nothing about your service arrangement with us will change unless you want it to. Your current plan, which includes Internet connectivity, 24/7 customer support, unlimited email storage, your email addresses, and all the AOL content and services you rely on, will still be there for you.
If you do at some point choose another provider to connect you to the Internet:
You can keep your AOL Screen Name and email address for as long as you want to use it, completely free; You can continue to use your AOL software, and you can still get all your favorite features and content, completely free; You will still get AOL's comprehensive safety and security tools, protecting you from online hackers, spammers and identity thieves, completely free. All of this is free, no matter who provides your Internet connection.
Why Is AOL Doing This?
We're simply changing with the times. There are many options for Internet access, whether it's dial-up or broadband. At the same time, a lot of online content and services are now available on the Web free of charge because they are supported by advertising. So, while your Internet connectivity needs may change over time, what you love about the Web does not. We are now able to ensure that the familiar AOL experience, your Screen Name, your Address Book, your Buddy List, your Favorite Places, and other content and features you enjoy, will always be available to you for free.
In September, you will be hearing more about changes at AOL. Until then, you can visit AOL Keyword: New AOL for more information and to sign up for informative email alerts. | |
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MIKETSG
join:2003-01-20
Naugatuck, CT
| Re: Free AOL More from the FAQ. It sounds pretty good... My family won't give up their AOL accounts and this is a good way to keep the software instead of paying $15 a month.
1. Why Is AOL Doing This?
To give members more choice and flexibility so they can get the online experience that's right for them. As AOL changes, other sources of revenue (such as advertising) will allow us to offer many of our services free of charge.
Back to Top
2. What Is Included for Free?
Regardless of how you choose to get online, here's what you'll get for free from AOL: An email account with up to seven screen names, the Buddy List® feature, Address Book, AOL software, comprehensive safety and security protection, Parental Controls, access to millions of online videos, AOL® Radio with XM, and more.
Back to Top
3. What Don't I Get for Free?
There will still be a monthly charge to use AOL to connect to the Internet, and we will offer several reliable and affordable options, on both dial-up and broadband. These options will include access to our 24/7 Live (telephone) Customer Support, which is not available with our free services. Additionally, we will offer various a la carte products and services, many of which we will announce this Fall.
Back to Top
4. I'm Thinking About Switching to Broadband. What Should I Do?
AOL offers several reliable and affordable options for switching to a high-speed (cable or DSL) Internet connection. Call us at 1-800-984-7134 to find out if the service is available at your home address. If you purchase your high-speed Internet connection separately, you can still use AOL's free services -- including email, video, radio, online security and more.
Back to Top
5. Does AOL work with any Broadband or Dial-up provider?
Yes, AOL works with any dial-up or broadband provider. You do not need to change your e-mail address or do anything differently. Once you connect to the Internet with your dialup, cable, DSL, satellite or wi-fi provider, you simply go to AOL.com or start your existing AOL software. For information on how to set up your AOL software to work with another provider, please go to »help.aol.com and search for "Connection" or click here.
AOL will continue to provide several reliable and affordable options for connecting to the Internet, on both dial-up and high-speed (cable or DSL) plans. Please call 1-866-280-0618 to find out more about the connectivity plans AOL provides.
Back to Top
6. Where's the Catch?
There is no catch. Choose to connect to the Internet however you want, and enjoy the benefits of AOL's software, email, and features at no extra cost. We'll still have pay plans for people who need an Internet connection and full Customer Support, as well as certain a la carte services, but anyone can use AOL's free features regardless of how they get online.
Back to Top
7. When Can I Get AOL for Free?
If you already have an alternative way to connect to the internet, either by dial-up or broadband, you can move to the free AOL plan and continue to access your AOL e-mail, software, and security features. To change your current AOL plan, simply call Member Services at 1-800-984-6207.
Back to Top
8. Does This Mean I Can Stop Paying for AOL?
That depends. You can choose the free AOL option and stop paying for Internet access and Customer Support from AOL if you have another way to get online. Once you're online, you can continue to use AOL's software, email, and security features at no charge. We will, however, continue to offer dial-up and high-speed (cable or DSL) plans for those who need a connection to the Internet and Customer Support.
Back to Top
9. Will There Be a Service Disruption If I Choose the Free AOL Option?
No -- you should be able to continue accessing the AOL software, your email account and additional AOL features, as long as you have a connection to the Internet. Make sure you first start up your Internet connection before you open your AOL software.
Back to Top
10. Will I Be Bombarded With Advertising If I Choose the Free AOL Option?
We do not anticipate significant changes to the advertising and pop-up policies in place on the AOL.com Web site and throughout the AOL service.
Back to Top
11. What If I Still Need Internet Access?
AOL will continue to offer several reliable and affordable options for connecting to the Internet, on both dial-up and high-speed (cable or DSL) plans.
Back to Top
12. Can I Keep Using AOL in Spanish or English?
Yes, you can continue to use AOL in the language that you prefer -- Spanish or English. | |
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Stop Bashing AOL
@covad.net | Re: POP3? Their email system has been open for some time via IMAP protocols. You can use the mail program of your choice. Also per the previous comment about spam, I would agree that AOL spam filiters work great, possibly some of the industry best. | |
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RARPSL
join:1999-12-08
Suffern, NY
| said by Paradyne5 :But will the free email be POP3? No. AoL NEVER supported POP. They do support IMAP (and SMTP) so you can just use your regular MUA to access your AoL Email. The only time I've used my AoL Software to send/receive my AoL software in the past 2[?] years (ie: Since whenever the IMAP support went live) is when there are certain types of attachments to be sent/received or when I need proof of delivery (ie: Return Receipts) for email I send from my AoL account to other AoL users. Otherwise I just do the access when I access all my other Internet Email Accounts.
The Internet <--> AoL Email Gateway is BAD (Broken As Designed) and the AoL Postmasters refuse to fix it. Their position is that unless you are sending from their side of the gateway to other AoL users (ie: Using their Software and not sending to or receiving from the Internet) you should be penalized for communicating with the Internet and happy that they even allow it.
If you want a list of the degraded support for email coming from or destined for an Internet address, email me offline (since this subject is off-topic for this thread). | |
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Rick
Premium,MVM
join:2001-02-06
Waterbury, CT
clubs:
| I have to say... from a business perspective, this is really an ingenious move on their part.
They still have millions of customers and with this move, they've helped to insure they stay AOL customers.
Plus, how many more will now go back to them to take advantage of the free service? Undoubtedly, at least a few million more.
If someone decides they don't want their AOL dialup...they get to keep them as advertising customers.
If someone with aol dialup wants broadband, AOL still has their pretty decent broadband options at a reasonable price that many could subscribe to.
And, if someone wants their own ISP..they still get to keep them as Ad customers.
What do they lose? The fee from people currently paying them for the BYOA plan mostly. It could be argued though that they were pretty committed AOL members anyway having had another way to connect but still paying to use them.
AOL traded those fees off though for all the rest.
Pretty smart on their part I think.
At the very least, I think you have to give them credit for a very bold and gutsy move. It's not everyday that a company just stops charging for something and says here..it's now for free.
--
The life you help save just might be your own Team Discovery | |
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CO_Chris
Premium
join:2001-08-28
Broomfield, CO
1 edit | Took my free acct Took my Free acct Hell I love AOL RADIO they have a 24/7 Dave Matthews channel. | |
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Rob A
Same Old Jets
Premium
join:2005-01-17
Pompton Plains, NJ | Sad AOL gets more and more desperate by the second. | |
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Nymostwanted
Who Cares?
Premium
join:2004-06-25
New York, NY | Re: Sad lol. Yes, sad. But this is actually good for me.
My mom and dad are not really liking Firefox, and our MSN Premium account stopped working as we left Verizon. Guess I will call back and activate our old AOL account under this plan. | |
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Rob A
Same Old Jets
Premium
join:2005-01-17
Pompton Plains, NJ | Re: Sad Not liking firefox?
Easy solution: »opera.com  | |
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Nymostwanted
Who Cares?
Premium
join:2004-06-25
New York, NY | Re: Sad lol. I presented them with Opera, and they were overwhelmed by what they saw. My mom literary froze up looking at the screen. She didn't even know what to do. | |
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Bytezboy
join:2001-05-17
New York, NY | Die AOL Die AOL, change your name!! | |
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uefigs139
join:2004-01-18
Altoona, PA | aol radio signing up for the free aol gets you the same bitrate with aol radio as an AIM member gets. I guess you still have to pay to get the higher bitrate. | |
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FiL
Premium
join:2005-08-16
Silver Spring, MD
| yo "I've had to walk a few friends through the un-f@#%age of their computers when AOL's crapware hosed their connection...
AOL "software" is anything but *soft*."
AMEN TO THAT...
And as the first responder stated, free is STILL OVERPRICED for their crapware...holla! | |
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Toby983
join:2004-10-01
| Re: yo Well got it all setup easily today. I have to say it's been since 2000 - 1999 or something since i have used AOL at all, but i had no issues setting it up. I didn't experience any setup issues - just that it needs to be updated several times after install. But, I took a poll after installing it and tomorrow i will be uninstalling the software and letting them just use the AOL toolbar for firefox instead and just checking mail web-side. You can get AOL radio without the software by the way. I decided to get them used to using firefox for better security practice and away from IE. IE is ok for those that know what they're doing and how to secure it but not for these folks. Ironically there was one old fellow there that was very net savvy for his age (he is 85) and i let him help me set it up and we both came to the conclusion that the actual AOL software just isn't needed anymore. You can get the same content without having to go through AOL's servers with their software. So tommorrow we'll remove the software and just use AOL web-side and have AIM ready to go and that's it. Many of these people in the nursing home have loved ones that still use AOL so keeping in touch with them daily VIA AOL will be great for them. For some it was a first time imternet experience as this nursing home wasn't previously wired for public internet - just the home office intranet-DSL. | |
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Ammler
Premium
join:2005-04-19
Pittsburgh, PA | Hello 1999 Gee, wasn't free, ad-support internet access all the rage back in 1999? Bluelight, Freeweb, Net Zero, comes to mind as "free" ISPs from the time. Does Net Zero even still offer free access anymore? | |
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| VikingStorm
join:2002-06-25
Omaha, NE | Re: Hello 1999 10 or 15 hours a month I think? From NetZero/Juno. | |
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Toby983
join:2004-10-01
| Yes, there were a bevy of free net services back in 1998-2000. Lycos even offered it. AOl would probably have been best (and would be best) with re-naming itself, and creating a much better web portal with better services that would be better suited to offer content to high speed subscibers without any proprietary software needed. It's getting to the point where there's really only going to be Google, Yahoo, MSN - then everybody else. Google for more serious/savvy users. Yahoo a bit less so, and MSN even more so ( more for novices). AOL definitely stayed in the noobie catagory for way too long. | |
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cob_
1310nm Of Goodness
Premium
join:2003-07-08
Tulsa, OK
| said by Ammler :Gee, wasn't free, ad-support internet access all the rage back in 1999? Bluelight, Freeweb, Net Zero, comes to mind as "free" ISPs from the time. Does Net Zero even still offer free access anymore? This isn't free dialup, it's free software. | |
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AOL Services Free for Broadband Users
