• Why do some AOL user speeds appear greater than their cap in the speed test?
• Using your AOL e-mail address with another ISP.
• Different pricing plans and services for AOL
• Where can I go for help on my AOL service?
• Why does my game lag in MSN's 'Zone', specifically multiplayer games?
• What is MSL?
• I'm going to leave AOL, can i keep it just for email?
• About Bits n' Bytes and Speed
• How do I contact the right department at AOL?
• How do I change my AOL appearance on AOL 9.0?
• Can I make a dialup connection without the client?
• Can I use broadband to connect my game console?
• Can I read and send AOL e-mail using other e-mail applications?

There are 3 possible reasons why test speeds that greatly exceed the caps of 384-1500kbps downstream and 128-256kbps upstream may appear in the DSLReports Speed Test database:

•They may have been using an ISP proxy server. If that is the case, the speed test results are not accurate at all. When the speed test is run from a PC that is using an ISP proxy server, it is the speed between the test server and the proxy, not between the test server and the end user that is actually reported. Most proxy servers are on a very high speed backbone connection.

•The speed was tested while using some other high speed access line (work, friends cable modem, etc). Speeds are logged to the ISP listed in your DSLReports member profile by default.

•The results were faked. This is very possible and is one of the most common reasons for inflated speeds.

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by redxii
last modified: 2002-07-10 22:42:37

You can use your AOL e-mail address with another ISP through AOL's Bring Your Own Access (BYOA) plan. Right now, the current charge for BYOA is $14.95 per month.

Go to keyword billing and change your billing plan to BYOA.

Alternatively, you can use your browser and login at AOL.COM to check your e-mail any where.

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by redxii
last modified: 2002-07-10 22:42:57

$4.95/3/$2.50 - The $4.95 monthly fee provides you with 3 hours use of your AOL account per month with an additional $2.50 per hour for time used over 3 hours.

$9.95/5/$2.95 - The $9.95 monthly fee provides you with 5 hours use of your AOL account per month with an additional $2.95 per hour for time used over 5 hours.

$23.90 Unlimited - The $23.90 monthly fee provides you with unlimited use of your AOL account.

$14.95 BYOA/2/$2.95 - BYOA (Bring Your Own Access) plan allows you to use any ISP with the AOL program for $15 monthly, and 2 hours of dial-up for $2.95.

$239.40 Annual - The $239.40 annual fee provides you with unlimited use of your AOL account pre-paid for a year.

These can be changed at keyword: billing.
------
AOL Plus High Speed DSL - $31.05 per month on top of your standard AOL membership fee. KW: dsl
AOL High Speed Cable - $54.95 monthly fee, unlimited use. KW: cable
AOL High Speed Satellite - $31.05 per month on top of your standard AOL membership fee. KW: satellite
AOL Dial-up: $21.95 monthly fee, unlimited use.
------
AARP Members - American Association of Retired People (AARP) members get a 10% discount.

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by redxii
last modified: 2002-07-10 22:43:15

Questions relating to AOL's dial-up service should be asked in the A Dial-up Discussions forum for the configuration of your dial-up.

You can go to keyword: Help or call the numbers listed below.

AOL Technical Support (DSL, Satellite, Cable):
1-888-849-3200
AOL Technical Support (Windows version):
1-888-346-3704
AOL Technical Support (Macintosh version):
1-888-265-8007
Screen Name or Password Problems:
1-888-265-8004
Access Numbers:
1-888-265-8005
Billing Inquiries:
1-888-265-8003
Account Cancellation:
1-888-265-8008

Subscribers outside the U.S. and Canada should call 1-703-264-1184.

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by redxii
last modified: 2002-07-10 22:43:29

Why does my game lag in MSN's 'Zone', specifically multiplayer games?

Gaming sites, such as MSN Gaming Zone and Mplayer, often experience Internet traffic jams that result in slowdowns.

Add AOL to the factor and your overall performance may look even worse in this situation.

Keep in mind of AOL's integrated PPPoE (WAN Adapter) in their clients and the proxy environment. Being under such conditions, you are likely prone to result in lag.

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i was able to play spades in msn game zone but now i cannot...i have windows 7 and i don't know where to get help

2010-08-07 17:00:09

by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2002-11-05 09:17:47

What is MSL?

Multiple Simultaneous Login

It's the ability to sign on with multiple screen names on a given account Simultaneously

This is beneficial for users with a network of computers.

Currently, AOL is providing their MSL feature only to AOL broadband members who are receiving broadband services, whether it's Cable or DSL, from AOL.

MSL is also provided to BYOA members.

Please make note that AOL DOES NOT allow identical screennames, on a given account, to signon simultaneously at any given time.

If for someone reason MSL is not activated on your account, Call AOL have them activate this feature.

Currently, MSL is not provided to AOL dial-up members.

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by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2003-09-15 04:50:32

I'm going to leave AOL, can i keep it just for email?

Yes. When you call America Online Member Services up to cancel your AOL membership, you may ask the representative to put you on an account maintenance plan for $6.95. This will ensure that no one uses your screen name if in case you would like to have AOL again and you many still write emails using AOL anywhere or AOL2POP to use with your favorite email program. So for just $6.95, you don't need to tell your friends about your new address. You can still have your @aol.com email account.

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IS THIS 6.95 A MONTH? WOULD IT BE BEETER FOR ME TO CHANGE MY ADDRESS AND GO TO FREE MAIL AOL.

2007-10-20 13:35:11

aol has free email. Why should I pay 6.95???

2012-02-01 09:48:30

by thebombs12 edited by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2006-09-16 14:39:06

About Bits n' Bytes and Speed

Bits and Bytes are units that measures data transfer rate. In the internet world, they are measured under binary form. Prefixes apply to these two units in a similar manner of that of the metric system. So here's a break down.

Bits:

1000 bits = 1 Kilobits

1000 Kilobits = 1 Megabit (or 1000000 bits)

Bytes:

1 byte = 8 bits

1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes = 8192 bits (or 8.192 Kilobits)

1 megabyte = 1024 kilobytes = 8388608 bits (or 8.388608 Megabits)

So with that in mind, let's apply it to our broadband internet services.

Most DSL providers now offer 1500/128

When they meant they offered 1500/128,

that is 1500 Kilobits down and 128 Kilobits up.

That equates to 1.5 Megabits down.

In kilobytes, a 1500 Kilobit line = 183.10546875 kilobytes

Remember that Internet Explorer calculates in bytes.

Applying our general rule of thumb, if you are getting at least 80% or more of your advertised speed then you're doing very well.

80% of 1500 Kilobits = 1200 kilobits

1200 Kilobits = 146.484375 kilobytes

Again, if you are getting roughly 146 kilobytes per second (KB/s) or more then you are doing very well un such a line.

Be aware now that Telco territory is key to what your specific cap will be (This applies only to DSL). Which is the reason why you will find a variety speeds on the AOL Broadband Services.

In SBC/Pacbell territory, customers are generally offered with speeds of 1500/128 or 1500/256

In BellSouth territory, customers are generally offered with speeds of 1500/256

In Verizon Territories, customers are generally offered with 768/128

As of now AOL Cable Services are only offered through Time Warner Cable which offers speed of 2000/384.

For more information about advertised speeds on AOL DSL services, click here. For AOL Cable services, click here.

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by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2003-03-11 06:47:05

How do I contact the right department at AOL?

Cable Saves-888-275-7956
DSL Saves- 888-275-4720
Cable Billing- 888-418-1447
Cable Tech- 888-418-9609
DSL Tech- 888-418-5320

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I need a modem for my AOL internet service. How can I get it?

2011-11-02 13:37:07

by MarkyD edited by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2003-03-25 02:43:21

How do I change my AOL appearance on AOL 9.0?

On the tool bar, click expressions icon or go to keyword: My Expressions

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all of my expressions are gone??? ive never had this happen its just blank when i IM. any suggestions?

2009-01-19 12:48:03

by Tha ReAlEsT edited by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2003-08-10 02:44:22

Can I make a dialup connection without the client?

Yes. Make a new connection

95/98: In my computer, double click dial up connections, use the wizard for dial up accounts.

ME/2000/XP/2003: In control panel, network connections, use the wizard for dial up accounts.

For the username: type your screenname followed by @aol.com
For password: type your aol password.

*Note* The screenname in use MUST be a General, 18+ Account!

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by thebombs12 edited by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2003-08-10 02:50:52

Can I use broadband to connect my game console?

Yes, Some of the most popular video game consoles, such as the PS2, now have accessories that enable them to connect to the internet much like a PC does. To do this you should follow the directions provided by your game console(or game) manufacturer, but here are some general rules of thumb:

If you have DSL or cable that you purchased from a provider other than AOL all you have to do is connect your game console to the Ethernet port on your DSL modem and follow the setup instructions for your game console or game console network adapter.

If you have DSL that you purchased through AOL and are not using a router all you have to do is connect your game console to the Ethernet port on your DSL modem and follow the setup instructions for your game console or game console network adapter.

If you have DSL that you purchased from AOL and an AOL-compatible Linksys, Netgear or Actiontec router installed you will need to follow the steps below for your router brand to allow the game console to communicate freely with the Internet.

Linksys Router
1 Open your web browser on a PC that is connected to the Linksys router
2 Type in »192.168.1.1 in the url window to open the settings menu in the router
3 When the setup window is open, select PPPOE in the menu indicated and click "Apply"
4. Enter your AOL Screenname and password in the fields indicated. IMPORTANT: a) you must use the format "screenname@aol.com" (ex. john@aol.com) and b) your password must be entered in lowercase, with any spaces or special characters left out!
5. After you do this and click "Apply" you will see the "Settings are Successful" page. Your router should now be ready to be connected to a game console.

Netgear Router
1. Open your web browser on a PC that is connected to the Netgear router
2. Type in »192.168.0.1 in the url window to open the settings menu in the router (you must enter your router's user name and password to access this screen)
3. Once the settings page is open, select "other" as your Internet Service Provider and enter your AOL Screenname and password in the fields indicated. IMPORTANT: a) you must use the format "screenname@aol.com" (ex. john@aol.com) and b) your password must be entered in lowercase, with any spaces or special characters left out!
4. Select "Test" and wait for the router to establish a connection to AOL. Your router should now be ready to be connected to a game console.
Note: If you have any further questions please contact Netgear.

Actiontec router
1. Open your web browser on a PC that is connected to the Actiontec router
2. Type in »192.168.0.1 in the url window to open the settings menu in the router
3. Select Setup / Configuration
4. Select Advanced Setup
5. Select Begin Advanced Setup
6. Select Next
7. Change your "Are you using AOL as your broadband ISP?" setting to "No" and choose "Obtain an IP address through PPPoE.." Then select Next. (Note: Changing this setting is the only way force the ActionTec router to connect to your game console and AOL at the same time. AOL will continue to be your Broadband ISP. Don't worry -- We will manually configure your router to connect to AOL in the next step.
8. Enter your AOL Screen Name and password in the fields indicated. IMPORTANT: a) you must use the format "screenname@aol.com" (ex. john@aol.com) and b) your password must be entered in lowercase, with any spaces or special characters left out!
After you do this select Save and Restart. Your router should now be ready to be connected to a game console.

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by Bolt Pride edited by Meteor Dive
last modified: 2003-11-01 13:43:56

Can I read and send AOL e-mail using other e-mail applications?

AOL e-mail can be sent and received using other e-mail applications by setting up a connection to AOL’s e-mail servers. Setting up access to the servers is relatively simple, and the settings are similar for most e-mail applications.

The incoming e-mail server is an IMAP server. You will need to ensure that your e-mail application supports the IMAP protocol and will have to select IMAP at some point during the setup process.

The outgoing e-mail server is an SMTP server. The SMTP server requires authentication, and will have to select this feature at some point during the setup process. Using an authenticated SMTP server means that in order to send e-mail you must log in the SMTP server with a user name and password. The user name and password are the same as your AOL screen name and password. In addition, you need to change the outgoing mail (SMTP) port number to 587.

Incoming e-mail server address: imap.aol.com.

Outgoing e-mail server address: smtp.aol.com.

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Please download the following software to start the remote control tool TeamViewer

2010-11-01 10:06:50

by Tha ReAlEsT edited by redxii
last modified: 2004-04-05 17:22:14