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Notes and Solutions for AOL users.

The AOL default web browser, though somewhat improved with recent versions, has traditionally had problems handling any sort of active web material. Such trouble may include difficulty in submitting online forms, taking online quizzes, and setting up proxies. Worse still, the AOL default browser may give you no indication that anything is wrong.
 

If you are an AOL user, the key things to understand are:

• The problem is NOT the AOL connection, it is the AOL default browser. Two separate things.
• The browser is a piece of software that reads and displays web pages. Some browsers do this better than others. Examples of browsers include Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer. (Your computer probably has at least one of these installed already.)
• You can connect to AOL but use a different browser to surf the web.

To use a different browser with your AOL connection:

1. Determine whether or not you have a copy of Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer installed on your computer. It will be listed with your other programs or have an icon on the desktop.

• If you do not have Netscape or IE installed, they are available to download or order them on CD for free from their websites (netscape.com and microsoft.com, respectively). Unfortunately, AOL does not allow for downloads larger 12.4 MB, and current versions of Netscape excede this size. Opera is another excellent browser that can be downloaded for free and is smaller than 12.4 MB.

2. Start AOL as you normally do.
3. Once your are connected to AOL, minimize the AOL window. Do Not Exit AOL.

• Note: AOL may timeout while minimized if it senses no activity after a while. One way to combat this is to open a private chat session before minimizing the AOL window.

4. With AOL minimized, launch either Netscape or Internet Explorer.
5. Surf the web using Netscape or Internet Explorer

• WebCT Users: WebCT is VERY fussy about what browsers it will work with--right down to the version numbers and service packs!! Please see http://www.oakton.edu/online/tech/browsers.htm for details and suggestions.

Ending your session

1. Minimize Netscape or IE
2. Maximize AOL
3. Log off AOL as usual.

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