AOL Help

[Chillax]

Hi!

I would like to know if it's possible to connect to the internet via AOL with the built in modem preference pane in System Preferences.

I just don't want to use the AOL app itself.

Oh, and, I'm running Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.6 on an iBook G4 1.42GHz, 80GB HD, and 1.5GB RAM.

 

[LimeiBook86]

Sorry, you can't do that, the only way to connect to the AOL service is through the AOL program itself.

 

[ero87]

well, you can get aol mail at aol.com if that helps

 

[Chillax]

Um - no. I need to connect to the Internet via AOL but I don't want to use the program.

 

[SheriffParker]

Um - no. I need to connect to the Internet via AOL but I don't want to use the program.

When I had AOL on my PC years ago, I could do just that. I was on dial up, but these were the steps.

1. Open aol. Sign in and dial up... wait for connection.
2. Once connected, minimize aol in your startbar.
3. Open internet explorer or netscape or whatever browser you want.

Try that. Signing in on aol should give you an internet connection. Try opening IE or Safari and see what happens.

 

[Chillax]

Maybe I wasn't clear enough.

I don't want to use the AOL program. At all. I don't want it open.

I know the access numbers and I have a screen name and password for it. I just wanna connect via Apple's dial up-er.

 

[SheriffParker]

Maybe I wasn't clear enough.

I don't want to use the AOL program. At all. I don't want it open.

I know the access numbers and I have a screen name and password for it. I just wanna connect via Apple's dial up-er.

What's wrong with minimizing/hiding aol and going on your merry way?

 

[lordmac]

Of course its possible, oh silly silly mac rumor members.

Even though you all seem very sure of your selves this is impossible it is actully very possible. All you need is AOL connect, it lets you use aol as an ip but with out using the horrible aol for mac client.

AOL® Connect
Get direct dial-up Internet access without launching the entire AOL® client. Use only the companion products you want, such as Mail, Safari™, and iChat® programs.

If I understood what you were saying that should be perfect. Here is the link to the page with all of aol's software for the mac: http://downloads.channel.aol.com/macproducts

Enjoy.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

Awesome! I had the same question!

 

[Chillax]

Thank you SO much.

<3

 

[LimeiBook86]

Thanks for proving me wrong

 

[Chillax]

Some interesting facts:

• Universal
• Made in June
• Not a RAM hog
• User Friendly
• Lets you use iChat, Mail, and Safari simultaneously
• & More
​

It just goes on the top bar, a screenie is included.

 

[EricNau]

What's wrong with minimizing/hiding aol and going on your merry way?

The fact that you still have to install it.

 

[Chillax]

What's wrong with minimizing/hiding aol and going on your merry way?

AOL the actual application is VERY unstable.

 

[Mord]

how about stop useing such an awefull ISP, others are cheaper faster less annoying and more reliable.

 

[McBain]

AOL *spits*

I'm forced to use this for work and I have to say it's probably one of the worst programs I've ever used.

On PC it's fine, but on Mac it's a buggy mess. I'm in it for a few hours a day and the time just drags. My 1.33 GHz G4 is slayed by this abomination. The CPU is often running at 100% depending on how many AOL web windows I have open.

Thanks for the AOL Connect link. I use dial-up out of necessity sometimes so that will be a big help.

*grumble*

 

[Mord]

why they hell would your employer make you use aol dial up, i'd have to work with whoever is in charge.

 

[bbrosemer]

Its pretty bad when you have to train your customer service reps into how to trick a customer into staying with a company.

 

[Roba]

I tried AOL on my MBP in March-May and it was pretty bad so i removed it.
I actually put AOL on my XP side of my drive because i was tired of having to constantly sign into AOL all the time on AOL.com because for me after a while it really became annoying doing this. Also, i needed access to my homepage from time to time and signing into AOL.com alone did not allow me to do this.

I just tried downloading AOL again today and there does seem to be an improvement in things. It doesn't appear to crash as it did before when i try to read mail anymore which is great.
I just removed AOL from my Windows hard drive because it appears that i now have a useable version that i can use using Mac software.