When I first got a computer four and a half years ago, I joined AOL, to see what the Internet was all about. Since then I have discovered that AOL users are generally looked upon as creatures of sub-normal intelligence, who are to be pitied because of their obvious lack of intelligence in choosing such a below par ISP.

OK, so AOL is a little behind the times in not providing POP3 email, and also with their limited filtering options for email and newsgroups. However, for the most part the whole AOL interface is clear and simple to use, even for people new to the Internet, and there are many advantages to using AOL.

There is a huge amount of online content, with thousands of message boards and support groups, and categories ranging from astrology to cookery and health, as well as many more obscure topics.

The file search utility has been nothing short of a godsend to me over the years, enabling me to discover many screensavers, puzzles, games and other utilities that I never would have known about had it not been for the AOL members who uploaded them to the file search area.

AOL also has a built in Instant Message facility, as well as an easy to use member search utility.

For those who already have an Internet account with another ISP, it is possible to avoid paying phone call costs for AOL, by selecting the TCIP option in the setup process. You can then go online with your usual ISP, and log in to your AOL account at the same time, giving you the best of both worlds.

Overall, I think AOL could make a few improvements, mainly with their email and newsgroup features, but they provide a good ISP service with great online content, and I wuld especially recommend them to new net users, or people who want to make use of the AOL specific online areas.

Update
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Since I wrote my original opinion, AOL have introduced a flat rate, unlimited access package, for £14.95 a month. I can't comment on thi
s, because I haven't yet changed to the new package, but I have heard that access is generally good, with no automatic 2 hour cut-off, as many 'unlimited' packages have. When I do change to the unlimited access plan, I will update again, with my experiences .