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An all in one tool for web browsing and features bright graphics and an easy to use interface

An all in one tool for web browsing and features bright graphics and an easy to use interface

Vote: (81 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: AOL

Version: 9.6

Works under: Windows

Also available for Android

Vote:

Program license

(81 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

AOL

9.6

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Android

AOL is a multipurpose instant messenger, search engine, and web browser desktop program capable of suiting all your internet-related needs.

For well over twenty years, AOL Inc. has been serving the technical community with its all-in-one computer programs. They have released, yet again, another desktop program to aid the average internet user. This program encompasses some of the best web-browsing features with the ever-popular AOL Instant Messenger, its own search engine, and a far more integrated web browser.

An interesting feature of itself, the AOL desktop program utilizes its own gadget to allow for searches from your own desktop. Type in your search query and let the AOL search engine find all your answers from the ease of your own desktop. Using the program's web browser ensures that you can peruse the results of your search at your leisure.

AOL mail is one of the most recognized features of the modern age. It contains an easy-to-use spam filter with multiple settings to weed out your unwanted emails. With their iconic "You've got mail", AOL mail is user-friendly for the average internet peruser. However, with other email services creating new and inventive modes and features, AOL mail can only pass as an average mail provider.

AOL Instant Messenger, also known as AIM, is the popular instant messaging program used by millions around the globe. It is one of the most favored and longest running instant messaging programs to date. The program comes with AIM installed, where it is handily placed off to one side, out of the way of your regular web browsing, but ever-present for convenient chatting with other AOL users.

While this version of AOL may be a nice upgrade for current AOL users, there's not much included in this program that is truly new or innovative. This program has received a fresher appearance but is now being surpassed by other newer, pioneering browsers. With other browsers now including social media connections, many of the best features of the AOL program are nonessential. Although it is a self-mending program for the most part, AOL tends to freeze or crash on a regular basis if too many other programs or tasks are also run at the same time.

While it may not be innovating or ground-breaking, the newest version of AOL offers current AOL users a fresh look with a pleasant upgrade.

Pros

  • Inclusive web browsing
  • Fresh, bright appearance
  • Widely used instant messaging

Cons

  • Potentially complex installation
  • Frequent freezes and crashes
  • Asks for personal information upon start-up
  • Being surpassed by other programs
  • Must register and pay a monthly fee to use