• Are there any utilities to help dial-up users?
• Can I use AOL as my dial-up?

Yes. Check out UDDialup. Here's a description from the author's web site:
"UDDialup is a helpful utility for people who run the United Devices Agent on computers that connect to the Internet over a modem. It monitors the activity of the Agent, determines when a new work unit is needed, and connects to the Internet at the appropriate time to enable the Agent to download it. It operates autonomously, allowing work units to be downloaded at odd hours, and typically keeps the computer connected to the Internet only for a few minutes, thus minimizing your phone bill." You can download UDDialup from the author's web site.
Also see UD MONITOR, below, for an additional dial-up option.

got feedback? got feedback?

Any feedback you provide is sent to the owner of this FAQ for possible incorporation and shown publically as well.

by RClarkofNC edited by KeysCapt

To use AOL as your dial-up, you will need to adjust your AOL settings to "auto-logon", then go into your Control Panel Internet Options Connections Tab, and check "Dial whenever a connection is not present". Next, in Control Panel Modems Properties Connection, set the "Disconnect a call if idle for more than:____" to five minutes or more.
When the UD Agent has completed a WU and looks for an internet connection, Windows will dial AOL, and AOL will log on and act as the Agent's ISP connection. When the Agent has downloaded a new WU, the connection will be idle until the expiration of the period you specified, at which time the modem will be disconnected.
Thanks to MRK for this answer in the forum.

got feedback? got feedback?

Any feedback you provide is sent to the owner of this FAQ for possible incorporation and shown publically as well.

by KeysCapt