We just got a new computer and are thinking about getting Internet access. However, at the risk of sounding awfully stupid, I have a couple of questions I want to ask that I *know* someone here can help me with!
We are eligible for 6 months free AOL service. IF we choose to do this (I am aware of the drawbacks from here), do I need to have a separate Internet service provider or does AOL provide dial in numbers so I connect through my modem?
Thanks!
I don't know where in the world you are, but if you have ANY choice other than AOL,. TAKE it..... They are expensive and have the worst firewalls, and are vigilant about keeping you on THIER (READ - SPONSORED) sites. They are convenient, but it is a cushy trap for the unwary.
Hope you have another option!
Dee
lewmew wrote:
I have had no major problems with AOL via dial-up over the past 9 years.
When everyone on my e-lists is grousing about getting 10,000 copies of the latest virus, I never see a one. At first, I figured I just wasn't associating with infected people, but then I started hearing that everyone else in Sue's or Sally's address book was getting it, and I knew I was in there, too -- AOL is that good at stopping the viruses getting through.
You will have to download Netscape 7.2 (that one specifically), free, to access RCTN via news.individual.net (which is another roughly $20/year), since AOL did discontinue newsgroups last year. If there's something about AOL's browswer that drives you batty, Netscape comes with its own browser.
Why? Thunderbird is one heck of a program for mail *and* newsgroups. Even spell checks on the go. Won't that work under AOL's parameters?
You might be just as well off by going through a local Internet provider. Some of them are quite reasonable these days. We go through our local phone company (independent) who goes through an IP in another city. Dianne
Got me. I knew Netscape would work with AOL no problem, and it was free, and those were my primary criteria.
Can download my AOL mail into Netscape if I want to.
You're right that a local ISP may be cheaper, but some of us have one foot on each coast, so a local ISP that I have to pay long-distance to dial into from Mom's isn't cheaper in the long run.
Thunderbird replaces the mail/news part of the older versions of Netscape. It functions the same way and is also free. I'd recommend Thunderbird over Netscape 7.2 just because Thunderbird will continue to be supported if you have any problems or questions.
I use thunderbird although I do not use AOL. I think it is the best email program out there. Ruby
But free is free - we'll try it first!
Aha! Useful info. I've been with AOL for about the same length of time, and figured it was my various preventive programs doing it. However, I have been thinking of changing. I have free WiFi at my house (spillover from a nearby apt. bldg) but occasionally I cannot get on, so thought I had better keep a dial-up account for both that and travelling. Sometimes, AOL will not let me sign on even though I am connected to the internet and reading this board through Mozilla Thunderbird and Teranews, so I resort to FireFox and get my e-mail that way. I have been considering switching from AOL to NetZero (only $10 a month) for my backup dial-up connection.
Any thoughts, anyone?
Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.
*** Posted via a free Usenet account fromlewmew said
Be careful!!! I've heard that two things happen when the free trial is over -- (1) it's very, very, very hard to cancel the service and (2) AOL leaves a lot of itself all over your 'puter when you stop using it.
Firefox is only for browsing. It's my primary browser. It does have it's problems, but I like it. I use Explorer when I absolutely have to. Thunderbird is the e-mail & usenet program. And I love it for both. A huge improvement over Netscape's programs, which I used to use exclusively.
Dianne
Firefox Browser and Thunderbird Mail are great programs. I have been using for over a year now with no problems. I like them better than Explorer. You can get them thru Mozilla homepage.
I was wondering if you had access to either Broadband thru a cable company or DSL thru phone company. Speed is fantastic, no waiting for pages to load. This should be an option that you look into. Cost is more and I don't think it is available in all areas. I know we just got cable access here about 2 years ago.
I have heard negatives about AOL, but of course, take that with a grain of salt until you check out their freebie. But I would try not to give your Credit Care # upfront.
Diane
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