AOL Gr8.0 (AOL)

Member Name: benniash

Product:	AOL
Date:	25/01/04 (152 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, Cheap for regular users, Easy to install

Disadvantages: Not that many new features from version 7.0

Having used AOL 7.0 for almost a year I did the logical thing and upgraded to AOL 8.0. Having since also installed the version on my Sisters PC I can write from both the upgrade and first time installation angles.

The actual installation of the new software was easy and painless. Running the installation is automatic and starts once the CD has been entered into the drive. The screen appears with a selection for current members and one for new members. The simple prompts and questions have click able answers and were easy to understand. Throughout the whole process an installation bar appears at the bottom of the screen and reveals the percentage completed. Both installation from scratch and the upgrade take around three minutes.

The upgrade saves all the previous settings from the old version including any files and favourites as well as keeping all the access numbers used before. The new installation will select the best access numbers and has a few more screens to fill in your personal details.

Once installed an icon will appear on your desktop for short cut access to the software, in the case of the upgrade this will replace the previous icon. If you should encounter any problems there is a free phone number on all AOL packaging.

Looks and Features

The loading screens for AOL 8.0 are almost exactly the same as the previous version and loading the software couldn?t be simpler. A click on the icon will take you to the AOL loading page where you sign on. This then connects you to the best number as previously selected. Once the software is loaded you find yourself on the main AOL page. This is again very similar to the previous version except a bit jazzier, with a 3-D look to the icons. The layout is the same which means that users of the old software will not have to learn where everything is again, whilst new users will find it easy to navigate around the site. To improve the look of the screens you can use AOL express
ions to personalise it with wallpaper, colours, pictures, etc.

Email

The email function is easy to use and gives you an email address based on your username. The address book allows you to keep details of all your email addresses and now automatically adds any addresses that are not already in your book. There is also an email blocker to keep out any emails from people that you don?t want to receive them from, which is also backed up by a button that allows you to report spam. New functions also include the ability to highlight certain emails so they are easily recognisable and also list only emails that fall under a certain criteria, say friends. Unread emails also appear in bold so you can instantly see which ones you haven?t read yet.

Sending an email is just as easy as before but new features also allow you to create ?fun emails?. This includes easily adding links, photos, colour, etc. Your personal email can be accessed worldwide from any internet connected PC through the AOL website. The software also includes an anti-virus scanning function built in so that you don?t receive any corrupted emails.

Instant Messaging

The instant messaging (IM) feature is free and easy to use. As its title suggests, IM can be used to send and receive instant messages and is excellent for chatting to friends. Users can be tracked through a buddy list and can also be jazzed up using colour, sound and smiley faces. Your set up can now also be accessed from any PC with internet connection like the email facility.

Other Features

AOL also has a news network that helps you keep up to date with news, sport, weather, etc. It also includes titles from health to music, basically anything and everything that you may want to view. It also has a search function that is powered by Google.

New Features

Overall the new version is very similar to 7.0 but the three main new features are worth the upgrade.

Pa
rental Controls: Although other versions have parental controls AOL 8.0 has improved on these to include a timer so that you can monitor the time your children spend online ? although maybe some adults might need this as well! In view of recent events highlighted in the media it is becoming all that more important to take maximum precautions for our children whilst they use the internet and this is just another way to monitor their internet usage. The features from AOL 7.0 remain and include screen names, reporting functions and limited access. These are great and keep internet usage enjoyable and safe whilst giving parents peace of mind.

Pop-up Blocker: This is my favourite feature as it allows you to control the pop-ups you receive on each site. This is excellent, as some sites need the use of pop-ups to run well, whilst others just hit you with ad after ad. The blocker is installed with the software and can be switched on and off for each different site you enter. The control you impose on it is also remembered next time you log onto the site. Every time a pop-up is blocked it is logged and can be viewed. You also have the option of being notified by a sound when this happens. It?s easy to use and controlled from a single icon at the bottom of the page.

Auto-Reconnect: This feature is also worth the upgrade as it remembers where you were should you be disconnected during your surfing and then reconnects you straight back to that point. I?m sure the majority of you have been in the middle of surfing only to lose connection and then not be able to find the page you were on, not any more!

The package also gives you the option to sign up for AOL broadband with a free modem worth £95 and also gives current members £30 for recommending new members.

Hardware Requirements

Microsoft Windows (98, ME, 2000 Pro, XP), 64MB RAM (128 for Windows XP), a monitor resolution of 800x600 or better, 175MB free disk space, a modem, a telepho
ne line.

Also note that it requires Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 but if this (or a higher version) is not installed it will be done automatically.

Overall

I have been with AOL for a long while and have always been impressed with their performance as an internet provider. They also have excellent customer service both online and through their free phone number.

The package costs just £16.99 per month for unlimited dial-up and connection to the internet and is ideal for those of us ?addicted? users. The CD?s are available for free from most supermarkets or on request from the AOL website. The CDs can also be used for upgrades although all current members should have received a version through the post. New members are given 180 hours free before they start to get charged.

I would personally recommend AOL 8.0 to anyone who is a frequent internet user who wants the simple email, IM packages and a few extra features that make surfing the net that much easier and enjoyable.

Summary: