Is there any way to connect to AOL without using there software? For instance using dial-up networking like with other ISP's.

Afraid not. AOL, in there infinite wisdom, decided to implement Internet Dial up totally different than the rest of the World.

Stuart

one can usually go to any computer that can access the INTERNET and type www.aol.com and if you have a screen name and password you can connect. One word of caution if you are using Bring you own Connection thru someone Else's broadband such as Cox cable to use AOL and you connect using a dial up connection they will charge you for the minutes used after a certain amount of time.

Sure...but how depends on exactly what you mean by "connect to AOL."

By simply going to www.aol.com from any Internet connected PC, you can access your email, address book, AIM, and a few other AOL features (I think possibly even your AOL calendar.)

They are actually making more and more AOL specific features available via their Web site as time goes on...they are trying to get more of that "portal" biz.

If you want to use the AOL software when connecting by a different ISP, that is possible as well.

First, make the connection to whatever dial-up ISP you want to use...it needs to be a "generic" type dial-up connection....one that does not require special ISP software (like the horrid PeoplePC)...but a connection that can be set up using simply the Windows Dial-up connect utility.

While that connection is active....start up the AOL software and select the connection choice that is called something like broadband connection or maybe byoa...or Network....something that does not require you to enter an access number...then log in to the AOL software.

Unless something has changed in their newer versions....the AOL software will simply go out any active Internet connection...AOL-type or not.

HTH

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While offline, right-click on the blue AOL tray icon and select 'Start AOL Dialer'. This will allow you to connect directly to the internet without starting the AOL software. If you can't see the tray icon, go into the AOL program folder and locate 'aoltray.exe', click on it and it will appear in the tray area.

You'll still have to sign-on but it won't load the email and news, etc.