how can i use aol for internet connection only?

[Binky]

My new computer (Dell) came with one free year of aol. I don't need it so gave it to my friend. All she wants is to connect to the internet for email (not on aol) and internet explorer.

Is there a way to use aol to connect to the net and NOT have it load all its own junk? It takes over, downloading "updates" all the time without asking or letting you know what these updates are, etc. She just wants to log on, that's it.

I can find no settings to turn all this other junk off.

[Keiichi]

I haven't used aol or anything before, but under the Internet Explorer's 'Internet Options,' you can find a 'connection' tab. you can add isp connection info there. if you know AOL's server ips and whatever you need (your dial-up number, username, password), just add it there.
so if you click in the internet explorer icon, you can choose the AOL account and log in that way.
i think it might work.

[0degree]

As far as I know, since I'm an AOL user (Yeech), you are stuck with all of its extras if you use it.

I use it everyday to browse the web, check my emails (non-AOL) and do all my other work. Therefore, I'm facing the same problem as you and your friend. In the end, you'll get your work done but there is no avoiding any of its inconveniences (that's part of the AOL experience!)

In my opinion, they think that if they added the option to turn off most of their features, it'll be too complicated for their clients ;)

Tony.

[dank]

I don't know if you can disable all their extras, but you don't have to actively use their "browser" if you don't want to. Just connect like you normally would and then open IE, Netscape, or whatever your browser of choice is (which by default rules out AOL).

Dan

[MTDesigns]

Nope, there's no way to stop their updates. I especially hate those updates when I'm in a hurry and am trying to shut down my computer!

;)

[Kara]

You have to log onto their network to use their internet connections.....no ands ifs or buts about that. They also intercept port 25 so if you use a program to collect POP mail (like outlook) it will reflect AOL headers

Kara