|
Break Free From A-O-Hell:
Use a browser without the training wheels
AOL. It's the number one Internet Service. It is more than
twice the size of it's nearest competitor. But sadly, it has a lot of
problems and weaknesses. Personally, I hate the way AOL surfs the web. I
think that Internet Explorer is far superior when it comes to surfing the
Internet.
And to prove my point, I'm going to share a tip that might
allow you to see what I am talking about. This tip will allow you to
use the Internet Explorer that comes on your Windows computer, instead of
using AOL's browser.
To use IE, you simply log onto the internet with AOL and
then hit the minimize button in the upper right hand corner. This will
keep the AOL program open and logged on, but will get it out of your way
for now.
Then, while AOL is online and minimized to the taskbar,
open your Internet Explorer program. This should allow you to use the
Internet Explorer through your AOL connection.
Remember, Internet Explorer doesn't have the internet
divided into categories and everything tied up in a pretty little box with
a bow, like AOL does. But that's a good thing.
Don't get me wrong, AOL is great for beginners to the web.
It is obscenely simplified and easy to learn. But I think it really limits
the user. Not to mention that they are charging twice what a local
Internet Service Provider offers and they also bombard their users with
ads ( 2 or 3) before you can even log on. Someone even created a
website called www.aolsucks.com .
That ought to say it all.
But that is just my opinion. I challenge you to use this
tip and spend some time using a real browser without the AOL training
wheels.
(By the way, AOL uses a modified, scaled down version of Internet Explorer with some
changes for their AOL browser). I think you might like it, but remember it will be different at
first. You won't be getting the internet spoon-fed to you like a child,
but you also won't be limited to an AOL-only form of surfing. You will be
in complete control. Hey, just my opinion.... Whatever that's worth...
One more thought here. If you want to try this tip and
experiment with Internet Explorer and the real internet, please be sure to
update your Internet Explorer program to the most current version by using
the Windows Update feature. This way you will be able to enjoy the latest
and greatest features while comparing the real internet with A-O-Hell. You
should use Windows Update often anyway just to make sure you have the most
current security fixes for Windows and Outlook Express and Internet
Explorer. To use Windows Update, just go to my section on
Windows Update
and follow the simple instructions. This will keep your Microsoft software
current and up to date.
|