Should I cancel my AOL email service?

[retiredguy123]

I have been using AOL email service forever, and, apparently, people laugh at me. Please let me know if I should switch, why I should switch, what service should I switch to, and what will happen to my contacts and 100 years of saved emails?

[dewilson58]

I still have mine. Kids want me to go to gmail but I have not heard of a valid reason.

It ain't broke, don't __________

[redwitch]

Make the kids happy. Open up a gmail account and see if you like it any better. Doesn't mean you have to close the AOL account. Gmail should be able to copy your contacts. If you find you like gmail better, use it. If you don't, you can say you tried and happily go back to AOL.

[justjim]

I've still got aol and it's just an email address cost nothing. I DONT see a problem.

[SFSkol]

Just tell the nay sayers that you were one of the pioneers of the digital revolution.
Since AOL was purchased by Verizon the accounts are not going to go away.
Unlimited storage, 25 MB of photo and video attachments, advanced spam filters, virus protection, modern web interface. No need to change unless you desire some of Gmail other features.
" I salute you, sir, for your vital role in creating a useful internet."

[kansasr]

If it works for you, just ignore the nay-sayers....it doesn't cost anything and switching is a far greater hassle.

[SIRE1]

The one reason you may consider switching is that AOL just sent out an email that indicates they will have a new service and they will charge a monthly fee. Up until now, AOL has been free and I, like you, have been using it for all of my emails and internet searches even though I could use my Comcast logon ID's that are provided free from the cable provider or GMAIL which is also free. It seems that AOL will require everyone to download a new program effective April 7th and they are going to charge for that service. When I called, they told me the charge is $3.99 per month for the minimum program (it comes with 24/7 support) and $4.99 per month for the better service (it comes with McAfee anti virus but we already get Norton anti virus from Comcast for free). After April 7th, your current version of AOL will be discontinued.

So if you want to keep using AOL, you have to now pay a monthly fee after their 30 day trial period ends. Before deciding whether to keep AOL, I looked at YOUTUBE and found how to convert all of my AOL emails and AOL contacts to GMAIL, and I found it was fairly easy. So now, I'm going to have to decide to pay AOL for something that was free or use the other free service providers. Another alternative is to use The Villages . net web site and email provider (which I am paying $8 per month just to get the Tee Time service).

So, your decision may no longer be based on whether you "look old fashion" but rather if you want to save $48 per year.

[Chi-Town]

You can have both AOL and gmail.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[retiredguy123]

I didn't get an email from AOL, and I don't use an AOL software program. I get free AOL email service on the Internet. Are you sure this doesn't just apply to those who use an installed AOL program with other features? If they try to charge for email service, they will lose me and millions of other customers.

[SFSkol]

FROM AOL
"If you're already connected to the internet and don’t use AOL dial-up, you can still access AOL software, email and several other services at absolutely no cost.

Free AOL services include:

Your AOL Username and email account, accessible at mail.aol.com
AOL Desktop Software
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
AOL security services that protect you from spam, pop-ups and unknown viruses attached to emails
AOL Parental Controls to help ensure an safe online experience for your children
Contacts (your AOL Address Book)
AOL.com
AOL Video
AOL Radio
AOL Search

Our Dial-Up Access plan offers additional services not included in the free plan, such as:

Connection to the internet
24/7 tech support
Premium products and services, such as AOL Computer Checkup
McAfee Internet Security Suite – Special Edition"

[Harry Gilbert]

To add to the confusion:

If you have a Android phone with a gmail account, It will automatically update your contacts between all platforms Phone, tablet, computer anytime one is updated. Also nice feature when/if you get a new android phone or tablet it will transfer over your contacts with ease. Just sign into your google acct. (gmail)

If you use Apple products forget everything I just typed

[Retiring]

I have been using AOL email service forever, and, apparently, people laugh at me. Please let me know if I should switch, why I should switch, what service should I switch to, and what will happen to my contacts and 100 years of saved emails?


What am I missing? Why would you consider cancelling, is there a service issue in your area? I’m glad this thread came up. I’ve been paying $25/mon for 20 yrs with AOL and have been meaning to drop down to the free service. I seem to always forget, but I’m going to do it now. Before AOL I was with CompuServe in the early 90’s, that service was VERY slow. Don’t know what ever happened to them, but good riddance.

[retiredguy123]

I don't have a service issue. Just wondering why people laugh at me for using AOL. They also laugh at my flip phone. So, I guess I'll keep them both. I don't have any kids to tell me what to do.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't have a service issue. Just wondering why people laugh at me for using AOL. They also laugh at my flip phone. So, I guess I'll keep them both. I don't have any kids to tell me what to do.

Now that we know that, we will take over telling you what to do. :lipsrsealed:
Would yo like to know your plans for tomorrow?

[SIRE1]

Here is some of the email I received from AOL concerning their AOL Gold Desktop Software

"Today, we are announcing the release of our newest AOL Desktop software—AOL Desktop Gold. With enhanced security features and automatic updates, this version is better and more secure, while keeping the look and functionality that you’ve become accustomed to. Unlike past versions, this newer software will require a small monthly fee for use.

Additionally, in order to maintain the highest level of security for our members, effective April 7, 2017, we will retire all older versions of AOL Desktop software. Access to your current version will be discontinued at that time. "

We’ve made the transition to AOL Desktop Gold easy—all your usernames, passwords, toolbar icons and mail will be transferred along with your favorites and contacts. Plus, we’d like to offer you a 30-day free trial* to enjoy AOL Desktop Gold. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call at 1-888-265-3733."



From that email, it sounds like if you have the AOL software program on a desk top or lap top computer, it will no longer function after April 7, 2017. From my conversation with the service rep, they will send an email with a download link when you subscribe to the new service. You will then use that download link to install the new AOL Gold program onto your computer. The rep did say that you can use the email download link to load the AOL Gold software program onto more than one computer (e.g. my Desktop and my Lap Top computers).

If anyone has any other info, PLEASE post it. I'm trying to decide whether to drop AOL or not.

[Carla B]

I saw a pop up on our AOL account that offers AD-FREE access to AOL for a charge. Although I really dislike all the ads and the so-called "news" from the AOL website, I'm not going to pay them to drop the advertising.

[retiredguy123]

Just to clarify, you don't need any AOL software at all to get free email. Go to AOL.COM and set up an email address and password. You never need to load or use a software program.

[BK001]

I don't have a service issue. Just wondering why people laugh at me for using AOL. They also laugh at my flip phone. So, I guess I'll keep them both. I don't have any kids to tell me what to do.

My DH and I have I-phones. I love mine. My husband is begging to go back to an old-fashioned flip-phone. The youngsters behind the counter at BestBuy had problems holding back their giggles. We did not get one. But now I think I will go with the one that is always advertised in AARP - I think it's called Jitterbug for him and I will keep my i-phone. At this stage of our lives, there's no reason why we both shouldn't be happy with our choices. Just like you should be happy with yours.

[Madelaine Amee]

My DH and I have I-phones. I love mine. My husband is begging to go back to an old-fashioned flip-phone. The youngsters behind the counter at BestBuy had problems holding back their giggles. We did not get one. But now I think I will go with the one that is always advertised in AARP - I think it's called Jitterbug for him and I will keep my i-phone. At this stage of our lives, there's no reason why we both shouldn't be happy with our choices. Just like you should be happy with yours.

Same problem in this household. Husband was used to having Secretary to do EVERYTHING for him and at this time in life, does not want to learn a new phone system, it took him long enough to master the antiquated flip phone.

We have friends who own a large engineering company and the husband will not, absolutely not, go near a cell phone. His son purchased a flip phone with minutes for him and he has not used one minute. He has a landline and that is all he will use.

[joldnol]

If you like it why does it matter what others think? Besides the nineties were awesome! 😉

[jnieman]

FROM AOL
"If you're already connected to the internet and don’t use AOL dial-up, you can still access AOL software, email and several other services at absolutely no cost.

Free AOL services include:

Your AOL Username and email account, accessible at mail.aol.com
AOL Desktop Software
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
AOL security services that protect you from spam, pop-ups and unknown viruses attached to emails
AOL Parental Controls to help ensure an safe online experience for your children
Contacts (your AOL Address Book)
AOL.com
AOL Video
AOL Radio
AOL Search

Our Dial-Up Access plan offers additional services not included in the free plan, such as:

Connection to the internet
24/7 tech support
Premium products and services, such as AOL Computer Checkup
McAfee Internet Security Suite – Special Edition"

I have the free AOL and access through the AOL - News, Weather, Entertainment, Finance & Lifestyle (http://www.aol.com). Tech support is not currently included in the free service, however I did have a problem at one time and was able to get my problem solved by AOL twitter tech support. Really wierd that they would start charging since most places don't charge for email anymore. I do like my AOL and have had the same account since the early 90's but find that transferring photos to be cumbersome. I also have a gmail account and recommend that you get one if you like to transfer photos. Gmail allows you to transfer very large amount of photos easily.

[Cedwards38]

Nothing wrong with AOL email. I use the free AOL email and it's the first and only email address I use. Why do they want you to switch? Don't switch. :-)

[retiredguy123]

Nothing wrong with AOL email. I use the free AOL email and it's the first and only email address I use. Why do they want you to switch? Don't switch. :-)
I'm not going to switch. I just wanted to know if I was missing out on something because many people seem to think AOL is old fashioned. Apparently, there is no good reason to switch.

[airstreamingypsy]

I have been using AOL email service forever, and, apparently, people laugh at me. Please let me know if I should switch, why I should switch, what service should I switch to, and what will happen to my contacts and 100 years of saved emails?

I quit AOL years ago, and use gmail... but I kept my AOL account because occasionally when I check it I hear from someone from long ago. That said, you don't just have to get gmail, you will need a mail program. One probably is already on your PC, but I suggest you go with Thunderbird.

[Jeff Hirsch]

Keep in mind that Google reads your Gmail in order to sell advertisements that target you. If that doesn't bother you, then go with Gmail.

[justjim]

Same problem in this household. Husband was used to having Secretary to do EVERYTHING for him and at this time in life, does not want to learn a new phone system, it took him long enough to master the antiquated flip phone.

We have friends who own a large engineering company and the husband will not, absolutely not, go near a cell phone. His son purchased a flip phone with minutes for him and he has not used one minute. He has a landline and that is all he will use.

With all due respect, some people are just "bullheaded". A retired person who had significant position and power in his/her employment will sometimes react in this way as a defense mechanism. Any "average" intelligent person can learn to use a smart phone very quickly if he/she chooses.

[HelenLCSW]

AOL probably did not send that message --sounds like spam --if they did send it it refers to an additional service which you are not required to take. I have had AOL for years --no need to change. I have heard that gmail users are hacked more often than AOL USERS --don't know if that is true, but

[mikecarr]

I've had an aol address since it was still a regional service. I also have my own domain and gmail and a couple of addresses I never use. I see nothing wrong with keeping AOL. It's a lot better than Yahoo, which has proved to be very vulnerable to the hacking community.

[Pointer]

:1rotfl: I like your humor Bogie Shooter.
Now that we know that, we will take over telling you what to do. :lipsrsealed:
Would yo like to know your plans for tomorrow?

[SIRE1]

Has anyone else received the message from AOL that they are going to a new desktop software called "Gold" and they are going to charge a monthly subscription fee? I may be the only person in The Villages who has and is using the AOL Desktop software (Mine is version 9.8.2). It seems from the comments in this thread that most people reach their AOL mail through another program (like Xfinity, Google, or some other internet server).

For those of you that don't understand my question, do you get to AOL mail by clicking on an AOL icon from your computer screen and then get an AOL logon screen and a blue user screen with menu selections across the top? And very top of the screen reads "AOL Desktop Connected, Signed-ON". Like I said, I may be the only one in The Villages that accesses AOL directly.

[ColdNoMore]

AOL, sans-a-belt pants and super wide ties...FOREVER! :D

[retiredguy123]

Has anyone else received the message from AOL that they are going to a new desktop software called "Gold" and they are going to charge a monthly subscription fee? I may be the only person in The Villages who has and is using the AOL Desktop software (Mine is version 9.8.2). It seems from the comments in this thread that most people reach their AOL mail through another program (like Xfinity, Google, or some other internet server).

For those of you that don't understand my question, do you get to AOL mail by clicking on an AOL icon from your computer screen and then get an AOL logon screen and a blue user screen with menu selections across the top? And very top of the screen reads "AOL Desktop Connected, Signed-ON". Like I said, I may be the only one in The Villages that accesses AOL directly.
I don't have an AOL icon on my computer. I get AOL email by going to aol.com on the Internet. There is no reason to download or to use any AOL software program to use the free AOL email service. You can access your AOL email from any computer at any time with an Internet connection. You can set up a free email account by going to aol.com and providing a username and password. No downloading required. It is totally free.

[Carla B]

What Retired Guy said is how you do it. Easy Peasy. In the olden days of aol, we had aol software installed on the computer via compact disk. We used to write several emails and then carry our laptop to an Internet Cafe land send them all at once. It was called Flash Mail.

[TideFan]

Why quit?

[Erin_AOL]

I have been using AOL email service forever, and, apparently, people laugh at me. Please let me know if I should switch, why I should switch, what service should I switch to, and what will happen to my contacts and 100 years of saved emails?
Hey, there: If you have any questions about AOL, please feel free to reach out to my AOL team at: aolsupporthelp@aol.com. We're happy to answer any questions for you.:-)

[SIRE1]

I work at AOL.:-) Feel free to reach out to my team at AOL if you have any questions. We're happy to answer them. You can reach us at aolsupporthelp@aol.com.

Thank you for providing the email link. I've just written an email to them.

In that email, I asked if I uninstalled my AOL software and then reach my AOL mail through either my Xfinity Home Page or Google Chrome web sites using the web site AOL.com? And if so, is that still free?

[navair4me]

I have been using aol since we first got access to the internet when my now 35 year old son was in Jr High school. I have the same screen name and since AOL is now a free service I have no intention of changing it and having to contact and update LOTS of email addresses! Do I care if poeple are laughing? nope, I will just stick with what I have especially since it's now a free service like so many others. My Mac/iphone loving son laughs at me but he still send my email to my aol.com address! We access the internet thru our wifi connection so "dial up" is truly a thing of the past...thank goodness!