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After you get your computer setup and online, the biggest problem that every user must face is finding information. Be it software, hardware or simply installation instructions, the massive borderless Internet is a cataloging nightmare. The sheer dimensions of it make finding specific information a true challenge. Unless you commit yourself to finding information, the Net can be a challenging place to visit.
With the advent of AOL’s latest software release, AOL 9 Optimized, the process of locating the information that most users need and want has become easier. In fact, for a number of new users, and even old users, there could be a great deal here to consider when it comes to choosing an ISP, or an additional service to augment an existing one.
AOL 9 Optimized represents a concerted effort on the part of America Online to offer a real substantial content driven service. While most, if not all, broadband companies offer a few email accounts, Web space and the occasionally discounted modem, most do not offer specific content or exclusive content as a general rule. This is even more so with smaller regional companies. While nearly everyone in the Internet business offers free email and Web hosting space, few offer comprehensive services beyond simply getting you online. With the resources available to AOL, that type of content, rich exclusive media driven, may only be found with a larger national service.
If you recall earlier versions of AOL, this is a major departure. The days when the entire software package of AOL could fit on one disc are over. Demanding about 128 MB of hard drive space, and at least 128 MB of RAM, the new version is literally packed with software and content. For those running older systems, or who have limited hard drive space, you may want to consider an upgrade for your system. Although version 9 does support older versions of Windows, it is very much a system designed to take advantage of the processing power of the most recent hardware and software.
Another issue to consider is broadband. While you can download the software from the Net, the actual size of the download makes downloading practical only for existing broadband users. If you are using a 56K modem, simply get the CD—ROM. The question of broadband does not stop here with the download. A percentage of the content on the new AOL Optomized is clearly designed for those with broadband access. If you are weighing your choices on the new AOL, considering broadband becomes a real concern. For existing broadband users, adding AOL Optimized starts at $14.95 added to your existing broadband fees. Considering the kind and type of content here, the option of high speed Internet access becomes important.
The list of features is fairly exhaustive, so I will just touch upon a few of the more stand out features. One that really intrigued me was the Enhanced AOL Media Player. It supports QuickTime, AOL’s own proprietary Nullsoft formats, NSA and NSV, along with Real, Windows Media and MP3 to name a few. This new player allows AOL members the ability to share and save streaming content in the form of videos and audios via Instant Messaging and email.
In terms of access features, the new AOL software includes an automatic reconnection feature that returns the user to whatever service they were using be it a dial up connection or broadband. There are also web speed enhancements and automatic high speed detection available.
Instant messaging, a feature AOL has been known for, has received some added bonus features. Sending video clips, using Web cams, buddy icons, and other chat features have been “beefed up.” File transfers, integration with text messaging and blogs have been added to the expanding list of features. Taking the idea of chat to becoming more inclusive, AOL has opted to redesign much of their existing package.
The new AOL Communicator is a standalone application that includes email, Instant Messaging and the address book into one program. In some respects it may bring to mind elements of Netscape and Outlook into a more streamlined look. The organization, as well as the layout, takes the idea of integrated solutions to a new level that I have not seen in previous versions of AOL.
For parents, and those with young children concerned about content and protecting young eyes from the dangers of the Web, there are a slew of access controls sush as an online timer and spam protection incorporated into the client as ways to make the online experience safer for children. While no one software solution can replace supervision, these software answers will address the pressing need for greater control over children on the Web.
While on the subject of controls, a firewall is included. From McAfee, who in my opinion make one of the best on the market, AOL subscribers have free use of Firewall Express as a means to protect their PCs while online surfing. AOL has also gone to some lengths to include Spam Protection. This also covers spam protection in their messaging client as well.
If you are seeking virus protection, AOL offers that as well, but at $2.95 per month. McAfee provides the anti virus utlitiy.
With regards to exclusive content, AOL has a slew of options for video, music and general entertainment. Several of these, and they are plentiful, are optimized specifically for broadband use. In my experience, enjoying video of any real size demands broadband. Thus, several offerings are designed specifically with the broadband user in mind. Exclusive content covers interviews, music videos and a wide spectrum of sports and news programming exclusive to AOL.
Packed with messaging software, including WinAmp, ICQ and a slew of other features, AOL Optimized 9 makes a compelling case for itself for those that want convenience, ease of use and a centralized way to access the Net. With the increasing trend towards specialized content for specialized services, AOL’s exclusive content becomes even more appealing. As programs like MusicMatch and Real One make the really desirable content on their sites paid services, the concentration that AOL is putting on services, utilities and convenience features, not to mention actual content, makes the idea of augmenting an existing broadband connection a practical one. Taking into account the time, effort and research needed to access content on the Net, AOL’s solution takes the time off of searching for information and puts it back into enjoying the content.
While some of the features offered by AOL can be obtained via other channels, one has to weigh the time, knowledge and effort against convenience and centralization. When you start to put all of the pros and cons together, AOL becomes a practical answer for those that want to get online, surf and not spend time putting together an ideal package.
The real practicality of AOL depends on how you use the Net, what you enjoy about it and your price points. If you already have broadband, and you are seeking a pay service for under $20 added to your monthly bill, AOL Optimized makes a great deal of sense. With the detailed chat clients, firewall, and unique content, AOL as a provider of content and services becomes a great add on to your Broadband ISP.
For those with a dial up connection, the appeal for AOL is present, but the real heavy duty video and streaming files, the very essence of the service, will be missing. Ideally, and the design of the AOL optimized makes that clear, is that it is a service geared towards high speed connections.
Certainly, one can enjoy the Web as it is without centralized content. However, for those new to broadband and those that like up to date news and unique content, AOL makes a strong case for their new client. For newbies on the broadband highway, this accessory could be a must have.
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