Can I use AOL as my ISP w/o the AOL software?

[JEDI]

i built a new comp for my parents. They use AOL to get to the internet. i dont want to install AOL.

Is there a way to just use dial-up networking instead?

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: JEDI
i built a new comp for my parents. They use AOL to get to the internet. i dont want to install AOL.

Is there a way to just use dial-up networking instead?

I think you could just use your username/pwd and the AOL number to access it, but I'm not certain.

Better to just find a local dialup ISP or DSL connection for them, unless they do a lot of traveling where they'd need the plethora of long distance numbers.

 

[n0cmonkey]

No, you need to use their software.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
No, you need to use their software.

yup and it sucksass

 

[raystorm]

Can't you just use either AOL's Netscape service or maybe Juno?? They are both just 10 bucks a month and are just fine. I guess using the Netscape service will allow you to keep your AOL name and email but I'm not totally sure about that.

 

[ttown]

I believe that you can.
I had a similar gripe when a company I used to work for passed out a "special dialer" for remote users to connect to the company vpn.
I didn't want any "special dialers" -- so I instead used the normal dial-up-networking configuration.
Somewhere in the properties or options is a check-box for using a terminal window. I think that's what you'll need.
When I did that, I would enter in my username@domain and password... It wasn't a task for the non-technically minded, so if your parents are as non-technical as mine it might be too complicated.
I'm guessing AOL probably has some wacky user-id and a long semi-encrypted password... (but I may be giving them too much credit). If your comfortable with trial and error, I'd suggest running a packet sniffer like "ethereal" and seeing what gets sent when you connect. Hopefully, you'll be able to see the username and password that the dialer sends (keeping in mind it may be semi-encrypted).
Then, using the terminal window with dial-up-networking, just type in the same stuff.

hope this helps

 

[Malak]

You have to use their software. What's worse is, you can get broadband with someone else and still use their software, but it's still not free. They charge for the software more than they charge for an internet connection. Sadly, some people actually pay someone else for broadband then pay AOL another $14 a month just to use their special browser.

You either have to install AOL or convince them to use a proper ISP. AOL overcharges. Everyone knows this. They have commercials all about why AOL sucks. Stop the insanity, present a proper case to your parents on why they should switch. I switched my parents.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: malak
You have to use their software. What's worse is, you can get broadband with someone else and still use their software, but it's still not free. They charge for the software more than they charge for an internet connection. Sadly, some people actually pay someone else for broadband then pay AOL another $14 a month just to use their special browser.

You either have to install AOL or convince them to use a proper ISP. AOL overcharges. Everyone knows this. They have commercials all about why AOL sucks. Stop the insanity, present a proper case to your parents on why they should switch. I switched my parents.

they are not going to switch 🙁 i tried 🙁

unfortunately they have years and years of emails. plus everyone knows them by that email addr.