Kage_ said:
I agree w/ you 100% with the AOL software... ick! I think this AOL setup allows you to access the AOL sites on the web instead of using there software, but I could be wrong w/ this. If I can use Firefox to access there content I might try it, but there is NO way I'm going to install software on my computer just to use there service.
Kage_
Th days of their cd's are long gone. From Today's USA Today:
Q&A: What's free at AOL now?
Updated 8/2/2006 9:52 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this
Some 17.6 million AOL subscribers got a present from the long-running online service Wednesday. They will no longer have to pay for AOL e-mail if they choose to leave the Internet service. It's all part of AOL's bid to more effectively compete with Yahoo and Google by concentrating on the booming online advertising market. The announcement, expected for several weeks, raises many questions. USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham has the answers:
Q: I have high-speed Internet access and want to stop paying for AOL. How do I do that?
A: There is no easy online or e-mail notification available. AOL requires members to call customer service at 888-265-8008.
Q: When can I do this?
A: Now. AOL introduced a feature Wednesday to sign up for a new, free AOL screen name. However, users get only one screen name and access to free Internet security software but not parental controls. This will change in mid-September, AOL says.
Q: What exactly will I continue to get from AOL when it's free?
A: Access to the AOL software. You'll still be able to sign on through the software, or via AOL.com. You can do instant messaging via AOL instead of AOL Instant Messenger, and write and retrieve e-mail at AOL. Additionally, there's free virus protection and parental controls. What you won't be able to do is call customer service with concerns or questions. You'll have to pay for that.
Q: And how much will that be?
A: AOL has several pricing plans for dial-up access, starting at $9.95 monthly and topping off at $25.90. That plan includes 50 gigabytes of online storage, which AOL says is enough to back up a hard drive.
Q: Is AOL going to continue giving out those little disks with AOL software?
A: Those days are long gone. "I told our people to turn the boat around," says AOL CEO Jonathan Miller. "No more disks." Folks who are interested in acquiring the AOL software can now access it online.
Q: I gave up my AOL account last year and would like to get my old AOL e-mail address back. Can I do that?
A: Yes. AOL is inviting former subscribers from the past two years to come back, at no charge. To activate the old e-mail, you sign in with your screen name and password at AOL.com or via the AOL software. You'll be able to start sending e-mail with your old name again. (You won't find two years of old e-mail, however. Those are gone, unless you quit only a month ago.)
Q: Why is AOL making these changes?
A: The Time Warner-owned company has lost 9 million subscribers in four years, people who have outgrown dial-up and moved onto broadband. AOL wants to hold onto its audience and says it can make up the revenue from lost paying subscribers with increased online advertising.
Posted 8/2/2006 5:31 PM ET
Updated 8/2/2006 9:52 PM ET
