I just got AOL 6.0 beta (build 4097.88a)

[blind to truth]

and as far as Aol goes, i think this is the best version yet. Nicer toolbar, faster, and less errors (for me, anyway). And its pretty cool bing a beta tester. If sysopt members didnt hate AOL so much i would try to recruit them http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif .....just kidding.

[Warthog]

If sysopt members didnt hate AOL so much i would try to recruit them

**** right. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

Warthog

[BFlurie]

Warthog -- don't make me come up there to Vermont! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[flash4master]

how about a screen shot of it

[spark25]

Where did you get the plug in for that so you get on the net using it?

[blind to truth]

what do you mean spark? we just have AOL's connection.
Look warthog....so purty.....dont you just want to try it for about 700 hours a month?
http://www3.cybercities.com/d/dukesofyumacounty/AOL/AOLpics/AOL6.jpg

[This message has been edited by blind to truth (edited 09-16-2000).]

[flash4master]

no, i think the 1000hrs. a month is a better deal (cant remember what thread that was in)

[Sweeper]

Where did you get this AOL 6 BETA?
I use aol and haven't seen a thing about it?

[OuTpaTienT]

I don't see how ANYONE can be a member here for any length of time and STILL belong to AOL. I mean, all the members here are much too smart to be on AOL by choice. And any members that aren't smart, if they just continue to hang out here they will certainly get smart very soon.

AOL has it's place in the grand scheme of things. Just like training-wheels or a driving permit, it should be a temporary phase in one's life.

I dunno, it's like the proverbial oil/water, AOL/SysOpt just don't mix.

[blind to truth]

Its just temporary outpatient. After i get my own computer, the only AOL on my comp that ill have is AOL master 3.0 for Rainman and the Atom debugger. After that, i plan on getting a free ISP http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif .I'll abandon AOL6 to my parents.

Sweeper, go to Keyword: beta

Sign up for it,then after you do,double click on 'AOL 6.0' (first) then 'download software' at the bottom.

[This message has been edited by blind to truth (edited 09-17-2000).]

[Gomer]

I beg to differ Outpatient.....
Check this out
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/007988.html

Read it thoroughly and if you can formulate an intelligent question regarding something I have said in that thread let me know. I will be more then glad to answer it for you. Maybe it will help you understand how ANYONE can be a member here for any length of time and STILL belong to AOL. What is so bad about it? Am I missing something?

I use AOL, I have for 5 years. I use SysOpt. I am far from stupid. Try not to be ignorant.

[c3p0]

Thanks OuTpaTienT for that response about AOL. I just couldn't find the right words to say what you said. I totally agree with you.

[BFlurie]

OuT, I wouldn't expect a post like that from you. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

Wart, I expect it from you. What are the benefits? Ummmm, lessee, could it be................
............................................
............................................
(huge, booming voice)
INTERNET ACCESS??????????????

[This message has been edited by BFlurie (edited 09-17-2000).]

[Warthog]

ahem...I would have to say I agree with Outpatients post...what are the benefits from using AOL?

No. I don't want another huge argument http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog

[OuTpaTienT]

AOL may appeal to computer newbies because of its ease of use, or its alleged "family-oriented" content--or maybe it's just because of all the bright, shiny colors of its user interface. But the *real* key to AOL's success has been its ability to take advantage of people's general ignorance of the online world. In the process, AOL has treated its customers to substandard software and performance, network availability hassles, an unending flood of spam and malcontent "hackers," and questionable billing and support practices.

AOL vs. Local ISP (http://www.mind.net/home/articles/aol.shtml) (pretty good)
Locked out of AOL (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/editorial/html98/lock_19990921.html)
AOL's "youth filters" protect kids from Democrats (http://www.news.com/Perspectives/Column/0,176,421,00.html)
Alt.AOL-sucks FAQ (http://anti-aol.org/faqs/aas/)
Freedom of Expression and America Online (http://www.silcom.com/~timber/aol.html)

[Sweeper]

I have been a member of AOL for about 5 yrs as well. It's not the best around , I will agree, but it's not just for idiots! Let me put it this way: IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, DON'T SAY IT AT ALL!
Didn't expect that from OuTpaTienT, and Gomer I do agree with!

[BFlurie]

Well, OuT, I'm the first to criticize software, and I agree, AOL5 obviously was released w/o enough testing. However, this happens to other software biggies too -- just look at IE5.5 and its problems. AOL4 works error free for me.

[Gomer]

1. I sign on at 44K

2. Sustained downloads of >5kb/s on a regular basis

3. I can remain connected for at least a day--I have never tried to push it further.

4. AOL 5.0 problems? I have none. Never had.

5. I can check, manage, and compose mail with any web browser, on any ISP, at any time, anywhere in the world. Can you with a local ISP?

6. AOL Instant Messenger--same as above. I can sign on my aol screen name from any web browser using aol's web page, just like with my mail. There is no software to download or install. It is Java based.

7. I have never had to deal with a virus I could catch without opening a piece of mail. How about you outlook users? Shoot, the only time I ever worry about a virus is when there is an attached file.

8. I have never had to use separate program to deal with my mail. Do you with a local ISP?

9. I receive no more then 2 pieces of spam a day. Many days are spam free.

10. I can use any browser I want with AOL minimized. I mainly use IE, but I have used Opera and Netscape.

11. What happens if you move? Your local ISP doesn't. I have been many places. I have never struggled to find an access number to dial. AOL goes where I go.

12. My mom (computer illiterate) uses AOL. It is great for her. She could never figure out what to do dealing with a local ISP. AOL is always there for her. Makes it easy on me because I don't have to deal with the hassle of a local ISP. She likes to chat too. She is pretty big on Irish heritage (she was in the movie Rudy BTW, in the pub scene, big close-up of her singing)
and has managed to meet and network with many people that with a local ISP, she would not have met. That was a valuable service to her.

13. 7 separate accounts

14. This I may be wrong on but I am pretty sure it is correct. 2MB of space for web hosting per account. Sign all of the accounts in to AOL's hometown deal with a little web page, and that number jumps to like 18MB per account. Like I said, I may be wrong on that.

15. I live in a city with a population of 15K or so. Actually I live in the township. There are 4 local numbers to dial into. When AOL had it's unlimited service blitz, busy signals were a pain. That is no longer a problem at all. 90% of the time first try is the only try.

16. How many of you have had your ISP for 5 years? I never have to worry about AOL packing up and leaving town. Never have to worry about telling everyone my email changed. Never have to worry about how long my next ISP will stay up and running, or if I will sign up and have problems. I really enjoy having that piece of mind.

None of the broad, sweeping statements have applied to me. Ever.
AOL has treated its customers to substandard software and performance, network availability hassles, an unending flood of spam and malcontent "hackers," and questionable billing and support practices.
If they held any water whatsoever, one would think that over the course of 5 years I might have experienced some of those things.

Maybe most of AOL's users are computer illiterate. Is that AOL's fault? Will trying to cram a local ISP down their throat make them all tech-heads overnight? AOL is a fine company that has done great things for people who otherwise would be left out. In the process, I have found it to be excellent. I have no complaints. I also think that if many ignorant people would stop wallowing in their own "higher then thou" attitudes because they use a local ISP, maybe they would find AOL useful as I do. When was the last time you had an account?

Ok maybe that last part was a bit harsh.... But i get sick of people saying things regarding AOL that have no sound basis. Again, I am not stupid... And I have no problems with AOL. When a local ISP can do all of that for me, maybe I will consider it. Until then, forget about it.

I would have to say you are handicapping yourself buy using a local ISP http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif Look at points 5,7,8,11. I think those are pretty unique to aol. You are missing out.

[This message has been edited by Gomer (edited 09-18-2000).]

[Warthog]

Gomer - I'm not making up excuses http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif - I think you're one of the "lucky ones". I have used AOL (where do you think I got my opinion?) MANY times. They have all been unsatisfactory.

Warthog

[TweakerXP]

Take off your "training wheels" !!!There's a whole new world out there beyond AOHELL.

[spark25]

Handicapping yourself by using a real ,(non AOL) internet provider?
That's almost as funny as only being spammed twice a day!!

[paradoxtime]

The only SPAM mail i receive on AOL(which i have never had problems with either,nice speech Gomer)seems to come from "techie people" on Local ISP's.

[Gomer]

Thanks paradoxtime

Maybe I should add that my wopping two piece max per day of spam is not of AOL's doing. It is actually a result of my own doing by using that email address for the occasional online form I fill out. I don't even make an attempt to block it all because I hardly notice it is there.

I find it amusing that no-one has tried to say anything valid regarding my statements about AOL.

[BC]

I needed some information about a website that our company had set up and found out that the guy's email was an AOL address I gave up. And left it a **** *** site. They are happy with it. If you all want to check it out look here. www.bobcatoftherockies.com (http://www.bobcatoftherockies.com)
Just a little warning though it was on webpagesthatsuck.com as a winner!!

[BFlurie]

True, Gomer, other than OuT's somewhat researched post, there's only simple, puerile comments.

[OuTpaTienT]

2. Sustained downloads of >5kb/s on a regular basis

If you're honestly getting that kind of speed through AOL, then I gotta say "more power to ya". However I have to be honest and say I just don't believe that. (screenshots maybe?)

[OuTpaTienT]

Sweeper said: Didn't expect that from OuTpaTienT

Didn't expect what? Didn't expect me to have an opinion on the subject? Didn't expect me to provide links to legitimate people/organizations that have problems with AOL?

Ya know, if you'll cut down on your expectations of others, you'll most likely find life quite a bit more enjoyable. I do. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gifuT

[chipbgt]

I have to sit on the fence on this one. As a formal AOl user, it had its merits, but, times changed. I didnt need the large program to open up when I could just dial in and open IE. My main beef with aol , and a lot of people experienced this, is when you tried to install v5.0 with another ISP on the computer, once AOL was installed the other ISP would no longer work. Last I heard AOL was being sued over this.

On the flip side, I thouroughly enjoy using AOL's Instant messanger, a totally free service provided to me. Only complaint I had was trying to sign in from a computer other than my main one and not having a buddy list, but I believe this has been fixed in the new beta that lets you store your buddly list on a central server if you want to.

At any rate, dont pick on Outpatient and don't pick on Gomer, how people connect to the internet is a trivial manner. Pick your battles, this shouldn't be one of them.

[spark25]

A gated internet community with the power to censon your speech according to their TOS. For example Who is to say what is vulgar ?
Like MSN they would have you believe their branded services are the totality of the net,and it is a KEYWORD away.AOL is not the internet.It fills a niche for those who need everything a KEYWORD away.
I am not missing out on anything by paying money to have my speech censored by some aol hack.

[blind to truth]

true,spark. I recently got a TOS violation for putting certain words in my profile and also for finding out a way to put pictures in it. My profile is something that i should be able to do what i want with. Im not forcing any one to look at it, so i do not see why AOL should censor it. Oh well.

[jad1097]

AOL SUCKS!!!

Good links Out.

Gomer to answer your questions.
1. That's to **** slow! Mine is 300KB+
2.Still too slow! Same as above
3.I am connected 24/7
4.AOL sucks regardless of the browser!
5.I can also. I use hotmail which is also set up to get my mail from my ISP.
6.AOL IM sucks!
7.I have never had a virus either. A bit of common sense goes a long way! I don't use Outlook.
8.No I use hotmail!
9.Spam goes straight to the Bulk mail folder and I just delete it. I have rarly ever received any spam from my ISP account. SO 2 a day would be way too much.
10.I can also use any browser I want to.
11.Who cares? I will find another ISP if I do move and it will not be AOL!
12. My mom woke up and no longer uses AOL.
13. I also have 7 accounts.
14.Each of my accounts has 10MB's of web space making a total of 70MB's!
15.I don't have to waste my time dialing out!
16.Who cares?!

Did I say AOL sucks?
I lasted an entire week with them but it took three months to cancel my account. After repeatedly trying to cancel my account I finally had to demand they cancel it.



[This message has been edited by jad1097 (edited 09-20-2000).]

[Gomer]

Outpatient--You will have to take my word for it. When I said >5 it isn't by much. Most of My Napster dl's are at 5.12 which isn't too bad for 56k. Right now in the house I am living in, I have some serious issues with the quality of the connection. Seeing as I have tried using several ISP's and have yet to see anything above 26K, I am pretty sure we have either a telco or wiring issue. I am going to have to try to find time to deal with that. Until then I can't help ya with a screenshot, but I think my slow connection has to do more with phoneline issues then anything else.

As far as censorship goes--what AOL offers is unique to other ISP's. It is more of a community then it is a pure internet connection. However, it is perfectly suited for being used only as an internet connection. Regarding censorship, it is just like at sysopt, certain things go, certain things don't. I believe when you signed up for AOL, you made some kind of agreement with them to behave. It isn't censorship if you agreed to it.

jad1097.....
Wow, finally an intelligent reply with solid facts from someone on "the other side." Your use of the word "sucks" was just what I needed to bring everything into focus. "Sucks" are the sort of facts I was looking for in this discussion.

Here I was, like an idiot mind you, thinking this was some kind of discussion about dial-up internet access. Broadband is a whole other story.

Still looking for valid points.

[jad1097]

Thank you, I am glad I could bring things into focus for you. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

I think I could have used the word sucks a few more times.


The reason I got rid of AOL was I did not like it. I did not find it easier than a "local ISP". AOL was my first ISP. It did not take me long at all to realize that AOL was not an ISP for me, about a week if I recall. I did not find it user friendly either.

Did you even read the links that Out posted?


I almost forgot AOL SUCKS!

[Gomer]

Ya, I read them. They didn't say much, maybe I missed something. I don't really care about their filtering or any of the stuff about TOS and what not. AOL is my ISP not my community. The way I see it I will lose way more then I will gain by going to a local ISP. AOl meets or exceeds every feature of a local ISP easily. Can you aruge that at all. Plus it provides me convienently with features not included by a local ISP.

this
I don't see how ANYONE can be a member here for any length of time and STILL belong to AOL. I mean, all the members here are much too smart to be on AOL by choice. And any members that aren't smart, if they just continue to hang out here they will certainly get smart very soon.
seemed to suggest that all AOL users were idiots. I wonder what portion of the sysopt population was alienated by that Statement. I read that line as "Gomer, yer an idiot." That offended me. Hell, those of us here who use AOL may be considered the smartest. If only for the fact that we managed to tame the beast. We wooped it where others couldn't.

[OuTpaTienT]

I must admit Gomer, you proved me wrong on that point. You are no idiot, and I apologize for inferring so.

You still haven't convinced me to dump my cable modem and sign-up with AOL, but if AOL is your cup of tea...then drink up. Personally I think I'm allergic to tea.

[Ygor]

"You still haven't convinced me to dump my cable modem and sign-up with AOL"

OuT, I have great news for you! No need to dump your cable modem, you can use it with AOL too!

We're going to cable modems with AOL next month here in the boonies.

[This message has been edited by Ygor (edited 09-21-2000).]

[OuTpaTienT]

Well, yabba-dabba-doo. Trust me, you can still count me out.

[Mntsnow]

Gomer, Believe me your not alone in this http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif I have DSL connection now and the Kids use that to connect to AOL on the BYOA plan (bring your own access) so they FLY on AOL. Here in Salt Lake AOL was my first ISP some 9 years ago or so. We have had an account with them ever since then. I have changed a few screen names here and there which is always fun to do. I enjoy the "kids only" AOL section as they do filter out the "junk" that is so open on the WWW. As for AOL's TOS/Censorship I will just quote from Earthweb/Sysopt's own FAQ http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
What about Censorship?

SysOpt.com retains the right to censor any member's post. The forums are public, and free for open use, but are maintained under the private ownership of EarthWeb and Sysopt.com. The administration of SysOpt.com can edit and/or remove any post, and can even delete any member's account. A reason is commonly provided for these actions, but no expressed reason is actually required for these actions to occur. You agree to abide by TOS (Terms of Service) and you will have no problems..You chose not to...Well then dont cry when your hands get spanked http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Just a side note...My daughter was posting in one of the Pokemon chat rooms for the kids and she let one of her friends reply to a thread. (to which she got out of hand (flamewize) TO WHICH I GOT the notification of the TOS violation! I was happy that AOL would inform me that my daughter was not using proper "netequite" and I showed her that she was placed on "probation". I proceeded to ground her and her friends from the computer for a week and since then I have not had any more TOS notifications http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif I say AOL is a fine ISP just as Earthlink, Aros.net, MCI, Sprintnet ect ect. Some are just a "connection" others are a Connection AND a Community" Both sides have their Positive's and BOTH have their Negative sides http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

<steps down from soapbox after completing his personal feelings speach>

[BFlurie]

Nothing, Wart -- I can't see where anybody's trying to convince you to CHANGE anything. Glad you have a good service available. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Gomer]

Thanks for the apology OutPatient.

Warthog--We have gone over this before hehe. Not trying to get anyone to change at all, but points 5,7,8,11,and 16 in my above reply are pretty unique to AOL. If it works for you stick with it. Right now, and for the past five years, AOL has done me no wrong.

I think AOL catches a lot due to thier success. When you are the largest out there is is easy for you to get picked on

[Warthog]

It would take an Act of God to make me change to AOL http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

Warthog

[howste]

I don't really have an opinion one way or another about using AOL, because I never have used it. I have had to clean up quite a few messes caused by AOL installations though, especially with version 5. I have mixed feelings about this - it's a pain to fix, but I do get paid to fix it...

Steve

[Mntsnow]

America Online has held onto the Number one place in Web media property in August with a whopping 62.7 million unique visitors throughout its network. Yahoo and Microsoft switched spots to round out the top three.

Yahoo moved up a to No. 2 with about 52.0 million users visiting at least once in the given month, switching places with Microsoft's sites which took the No. 3 spot in August with 51.96 million unique visitors.

(Source: Reuters)

Seems that a lot of people like what AOL has to offer even those that don't use them as an ISP http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Warthog]

Maybe you AOLers have proven your point, but that still hasn't convinced me to switch. What the the benefits?

What would convince me to switch from my VERY reliable local ISP to AOL?

Warthog

[spark25]

How many unique hits are made at the planetwide website population every month? That might put into perspective what percentage of people go to AOL in a month.
Statistically speaking that 62.7 million number might then seem insignificant.It's big in the micro setting,not in relation to the macro.
Censorship is only censorship if invoked.By agreeing to be cesored,when you are censored,censorship was used.Just because you agree to the TOS does not change the censorship to non-censorship.I have never seen it used on this board. There is a reply in this thread stating that person had been warned by a censor at AOL for something that is not explicity spelled out as a censorable offense(what words can't you use?What is vulgar?) in the TOS. AOL won't say which words are banned.Random, rolling, here not there censorship,on the whim of some hack. He is not alone in that regard,a statement that can be easily verified many,many time over.




[This message has been edited by spark25 (edited 09-22-2000).]

[Mntsnow]

Spark, You might want to look at my last post a bit closer http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif AOL beat out YAHOO and MSN for the most widely hit site on the ENTIRE net http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif As for the Censorship thing..Yes we have "censored" poeples posts in the past but try not to as we for the most part have a group of people that follow the rules http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[spark25]

Snow,I read you post fine. Mine was,how many hits are made monthly,countimg every web site,banners or no,over the entire web?In a land of billions,millions are small numbers.Yes alot of people visit aol,does that mean anything,alot of things,or nothing? The only thing it means to me is that for one reason or another more people went there than to Yahoo;it says nothing about why they went there,or the quality of what was there.Just that they went there.Personally,I fail to see the attraction.

[Ygor]

Hmmm, I've been on AOL almost 4 years now, tried MSN, and visit this site a lot too. Nowhere have I seen a list of banned words. Maybe it's left to what used to be called common sense and courtesy?

I may use one language standard with those I know well in-person, another when in public where I don't know everyone and anyone can hear (or see) what I say. Seems simple enough to me.

AOL uses regular American prime-time broadcast (not cable) tv language standards with some latitudes for each area/site to determine.Others probably do this too.

(You wouldn't really expect the same language standards at a political site as you would a spiritual site, would you?)

AOL does watch over kids carefully. If it appears that someone is luring a child or children away from a hosted room the hosts usually act first and let others sort it out later. When you can't actually "see" the people and it involves kids, is there any other way?

There are lots of isp's and online communities out there. AOL just happens to be the biggest and it works for many many people. That does not mean it's for people who are determined not to give it a fair chance, just that it's available.