AOL in a business network question?

[compudog]

I have one user at work that insists on running the AOL software for email. I have a broadband DSL connection on a Novell LAN. Does any one have any experience with AOL in a business environment? If so, what is AOL's level of support in a business application (if any?)

My problem is this; The PC works fine except I cannot print locally with the Novell client and AOL installed. I called Novell for tech support and they were stumped for a resolution. I have tried the same combination of software (AOL 7.0, 8.0 & 9.0) Various Novell Clients for Win98, different printers (local) HP LJ6, 5L, DeskJet 940, 920, 890CSe, Lexmark, LPTI, USB etc. I even have tried a completely different PC with the same software listed above. Always started with a fresh-clean install on Win98SE.

Through all of this, the PC prints fine to the Novell Network Laser (HP5000) My next option is to install Win2K or XP (clean) and then load the software I must have. I must use the Novell Client for Netware as the payroll software requires it. I MUST have AOL installed. No AOL is NOT an option.

Any ideas???? I even brought an outside Novell (CNE) firm in and they are at a loss as well.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Personally, I'd tell your user he's SOL!

 

[TechnoPro]

If this user is using AOL for their e-mail AND the AOL software is causing the conflict, I would suggest using IzyMail and removing AOL.

I understand your caveat about "No AOL is NOT an option." However, this software allows AOL, Hotmail, and Yahoo to be accessed by a "normal" e-mail client like Outlook.

So user gets 100% full access to AOL e-mail account, without having the AOL software onboard. If, on the other hand, this user insists on the GUI that only AOL can deliver, you just might be SOL.

 

[PELarson]

The AOL Website can be used to retrieve and send email via his AOL account so just have him sign in and get his mail.

 

[JackMDS]

Start the regular IE type in the address bar www.aol.com

Wow magic you do not need AOL Software.:beer:

Oh yeah I forgot, tell him to press <Enter> after he typed the address.

 

[buleyb]

I think the webmail option is the way to go.

Now I know you don't want to hear the "too damn bad" option, but this is what software/network policies are about. I don't care if its the president or the janitor, unless its detrimental to the business, don't make exceptions. Especially when you've already wasted time/money on this without much luck.

just my 2cents though

 

[wallsfd949]

I have used Aol Communicator before (though I am now 100% AOL free). From what I could tell, it's similar to ximian evolution or outlook. I'm not sure on how it connects though.

 

[MoFunk]

Originally posted by: buleyb
I think the webmail option is the way to go.

Now I know you don't want to hear the "too damn bad" option, but this is what software/network policies are about. I don't care if its the president or the janitor, unless its detrimental to the business, don't make exceptions. Especially when you've already wasted time/money on this without much luck.

just my 2cents though

Exactly! I maintain over 200 pc's, if I was to allow a few to install this, ans a few to install that, it would be a nightmare! Not to mention that fact that AOL can cause very wierd things from happening. I also repair and build PC's on the side and I am darn close to making 2 policies with that. Charge more if the system is WinME, charge more if the system has AOL, DONT TAKE THE JOB if the system is WinME with AOL! LMAO

P.S. I have one time told the COO of the company that I would not let him load certain apps on his PC. He was pissed at first but then understood.

 

[compudog]

I vigorously protested, threatened to give up my IT duties, spoke with the owner, all to no avail. MUST keep AOL on the PC. AOL's response was that the application is not very well supported in a networked business environment (whatever that means

) and I should try this (did it), that (yep) and the other thing (been there, done that too...) I installed a HP Jet Direct Print Server, a small 4 port hub, connected the PC and the Print Server to the hub, connected that to the LAN wall jack and installed the printer as an IP device via the Jet Direct. "Problem" solved. I still cannot print "local" (connected to the PC's LPT or USB port) but she now has a printer she can print to in her office.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

MoFunk, I do the same thing with PC's I work on @ home. If it has ME, or AOL I charge 50% more.

 

[TechnoPro]

Humor us a little bit...

Why did this person insist on keeping AOL? I've encountered such types before and it always amuses me when I hear these excuses why AOL must be kept.

BTW, good workaround solution to the printing problem.

 

[compudog]

Well, she said that all of the "resin" companies that she purchases from use AOL and she has to use it. The owner of the company uses AOL (mostly because he travels all over and AOL is ubiquitous) and he simply loves it, she is the owner's executive assistant, she has been using it for years, she doesn't like to change, she uses it at home. I explained that there are other ways to get her AOL email, that she could still use the same email address, etc. etc. etc.

All to no avail. The general manager is also her "boyfriend," and he got so pissed at me knocking AOL that I thought I was going to get fired. I explained that there are many ways to work around it, but he as well would not hear of it. Fortunately it is only 1 PC of 50 at my primary location and they were willing to allow me my Jet-Direct "workaround."

AOL installs so many hooks into Windows that you can never completely get rid of it (without a format) and I had done that as well. It is the combination of software that caused the problem, Novell Client32 + ADP Payroll + AOL (7.0,8.0,9.0) = no local printing.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Give her a dial-up modem and let her connect to AOL directly.

 

[MoFunk]

90% of the problems with computers today are caused by the stupid people sitting behind them. I love when one of my clients tells me that their 3 month old, 3 gig system is a slow POS! Then I look and they have numerous junk shareware apps installed and their system is ravaged with spyware and viruses!

I can't get over that you got that much flack from the guy about AOL. Plus the extra cost of the Jet-Direct workaround, sheesh! What can you do right. You did what you had to and that's about all you can. If these people are making you keep junk on their computer that is only going to cause issues in the long run, let them, at least it's a little job security for you right.