Anyone know about AOL versions?

If memory serves, version 5 is the highest version under Classic. But it's not likely to be a pleasant experience (also from recent memory).

Hey,

Not pleasant because it's AOL or is there another reason?

Thanks.

William

www.williamahearn.com

Isn't that reason enough !?

Most browsers that still run in OS 9 are painfully slow to begin with -- not to mention that you're dealing with a 2007 Internet on a machine built in 1996.

Not knocking the 6400. I've got a 6500 myself, and machines older and slower than that too (PB 5300ce, LC III, Mac Classic II, SE/30 ...). But they're not my primary machines (not even my secondary or terciary machines). The 6400/6500 models are workhorses, but they do have limitations.

Hey,

You're preaching to the choir. I've pretty much retired my Lombard from the 'net and just use the Pismo and the IceBook. This guy got it for free and wants to try and use it. That makes it hard not to help him.

William
www.williamahearn.com

Yeah, AOL 5 is the last version that was released for the classic OS. In fact, AOL for Mac OS X is pretty much AOL 5.0, but with different icons and will only run on OS X. Sadly, AOL's efforts for Mac were extremely half hearted after 5.0.

(former AOL tech support employee)

Hey,

I didn't think that this thread could end on a happy note. But thanks for the info.

William
www.williamahearn.com

To second that, AOL 5 is indeed the last version, and it's actually rather hard to find on AOL's website, IIRC. AOL 5 works, though. I use it occasionally (when I have to use a backup dialup service or when I'm on the road) and piggy back on my family's account.

There are only a couple downsides. AOL 5 has none of the nice features that newer versions of AOL have. I get the impression that the AOL versions for PC have some sort of embedded compression that allow you to "browse faster" than you would expect with a 56k modem. AOL 5 does not have that capability, of course.

But it gets the job done.

I never really understood why so many people hate the service so much. Other than being pricey, I think it's actually a pretty good service. You can use your own browser, you can use any IP software you want, in fact, and you aren't limited to using just the built-in AOL features and services. On the other hand, those built-in services aren't half-bad (other than the browser, which really does stink). AOL is neat, it's just a little dated (and pricey with bad customer service).

Peace,
Drew

you said it. A little pricey and exceptionaly bad customer service and if you decide to quit AOL you get the person who can talk for 24 hours on how great AOL is and never stops to take breath or won't let you get a word in edge wise unless you just talk over them and make it very plain in somewhat strong words that you want the service stopped

We actually got aol free for 2 years because we would try to end the free trial and they would say they would add another month of free service on, we finally stopped when we moved to a local ISP. The other big problem with AOL is that it installs weird bits of its software into the system, such as stuff in the system preferences. Also, the built in aol browser didn't quite follow standards for a very long time (it almost did, but certain jpg things didn't work right and the like)

AOL as a company has bad business practices and treats their customers poorly, I'll certainly grant that. But that wasn't what I was talking about. I was talking about the _service_ they provide. The service wasn't bad. It just had a Mickey Mouse reputation that, in my opinion, was undeserved and that I never really understood.

I don't think we need another diatribe on the horrors of cancelling AOL service. We've all heard that. Let's move on, shall we?

-
Drew

As a former employee, I have a low opinion of the company itself, however I do like the service. For what it is, it's pretty decent. Customer service at AOL isn't so much bad, as it is inconsistent. Like any service, AOL is far from perfect.

Is he already paying for an AOL account on another computer? If not than just get an dialup ISP account (monthly) and use iCab (browser).

I use http://www.fastermac.net/ It's $6.95 monthly and you don't have to buy a whole year. I have been using them for a couple years now and no I am not affiliated with them.

MaxTek

If you read the fine print on those "browse faster" ads, you see they are basically using a proxy with full time caching and content compression. Nearly all browsers support it, but many websites don't enable it.