America Online (AOL) Review

 I bought my first computer in 2000 because I got word that my office was going online.  Prior to that we were using terminals.  Well, I had never even put my finger on a PC.  I was still using a Smith Corona Word Processor.  Everyone thought it was a PC because it had a monitor but it wasn't.  Well, I didn't want to feel like a dummy at the office if I didn't know how to use a computer so I went out and bought myself one.  I was working on my PhD and figured it was about time I became more modernized.  Well, the problem was I was technologically challenged.  Okay, I don't want to go in depth with the computer aspects because that is also another review.

I went to Best Buy and bought myself a Compaq Presario by Hewlett Packard.  The sales rep told me that I could get a $200 discount if I also signed a 12-month contract with MSN.  Okay, I have never used a computer and now he is suggesting I also go online.  Whoa horseys!  I had several college friends who kept wanting to email me so I bit the bullet, signed the 12-month contract and took my computer home with me. 

Okay, using the computer wasn't as difficult for me as comprehending how to circumnavigate the MSN website.  I hated everything about that site!  I refused to use it after about a month and I was feeling distraught over this 12-month commitment.  I started talking to some friends and most of them were using America Online (AOL) and so I figured, it can't be any worse than what I am experiencing now.  I went to AOL and signed up.  So for the next 12-months I was paying for two Internet providers.  I can't remember what MSN's monthly fee was but I do know it was a lot cheaper than the $24.95 that AOL was charging me but I was very satisfied with AOL.

Thru the years I have come to love AOL.  I have even been able to negotiate my monthly fees three times just by letting them know about other offers out there.  They will match another companies price to keep you.  The first time was when PeoplePC was running a promo.  AOL dropped my monthly fee to $19.95.  A few years later Bellsouth was running a promo in my area and AOL took my monthly fee down to $14..95.  And then back in August of this year I called them to get my best friend reconnected with them.  They offered her a monthly fee of $11.99 and I asked them why I was paying $14.95 for the same service and they said as soon as we got her account up and going they would go in and change my monthly rate.  Now keep in mind: They do not just change the monthly rate for you.  The customer must call in and request the rate change.  The rate change has never affected my service, what perks I have, etc.  It just discounts my membership.  Okay, I just saw on someone's pros that they were paying $8.95 so I may be able to get another price reduction!

I have my monthly fee electronically drafted and AOL also has a shopping network that will allow you to pay thru your account.  If you purchase something from their network they just add it to your monthly fee.  I have never used that feature and actually disabled it from my program.

Some features that I really love about AOL:

• The ability to block pop-ups
• Free stationery, smileys, buddy icons, and wallpaper
• Free e-cards
• The ability to block my screen name so people can't tell if I am online
• The Instant Messaging function
• Large inbox/sent mailbox capacity with as many subfolders as you can create
• And my list would go on...

One of the functions I really love is the return receipt request that I can use with other AOL members.  My best friend and I both use AOL so if I send her an email and I want to know if/when she reads it I can request a return receipt.  If I forget to request a return receipt I can just click on the status button and see if/when she read it.  That is pretty important when we are trying to plan something; especially when we used to travel throughout the state to attend baseball games.

Tech support and customer service is awesome.  They are available 24/7-365 days a year and I have used them a lot!  They taught me so much about my computer and how to navigate all the different programs, my Control Panel, etc.  When I placed the first call I let them know that I was computer illiterate and they walked me thru step by step until the problem was resolved.  They have never made me feel stupid or incompetent although there were many times when I knew the problem was actually me and not my PC or my ISP.  Anytime you call them they will send you a follow up email and if you request it; they will also send you a PDF version of the instructions for troubleshooting whatever problem necessitated the call.  I love that aspect so that if I encounter that problem again down the road all I have to do is go to my notebook and pull out the instructions.

I am from the old school and still use the dial-up so I might not get online as fast or open a web browser as quickly but I have been very satisfied with my membership at AOL.