AOL on Linux Mint 16?
 

I have a friend who has always been with AOL. She now wants to try Linux after having difficulties with Microsoft Windows 8. The question is; Does AOL work with Linux?
Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

gael

Any ISP works with Linux (or should do, I think).

Thanks Brian,
I was under the impression that AOL was one of those programs that came on a CD and integrated into the system.
Having said that, I wonder if AOL could be accessed through any browser, that would overcome the integration issue?

gael

Yes, AOL can be accessed through any browser. What type of service is your friend using to connect to the internet?

Generally speaking, Windows software doesn't run very well in Linux, but most websites run fine.

So your friend probably won't be able to run the AOL software off the CD, but will be able to access the AOL website. (I just went there now, it looks fine, didn't explore any of the features.)

If your friend is an AOL/Windows user, then they will probably need some serious hand-holding with Linux. Therefore I recommend they use it off a USB for at least a few weeks *before* they commit to installing it to the hard drive.

I agree Windows 8 is very confusing the first time you use it, sorry I don't have any advice in that category. ;)

Hi, unfortunately. she is elderly and is constantly ... in her words 'breaking the OS'. I recommended Linux Mint because it isn't so easy to break. Yes, I had a look myself at AOL online and discovered that she could access her email and other things she finds interesting. Personally, I would like to wean her off AOL all together :)
Thanks for your reply anyway.

gael

Thanks Snowpine,
Yes, she is a AOL/Windows user and has been for over 10 years. The serious hand-holding would be difficult because we live about 250 miles apart. I suggested Linux Mint because not only is it easy and straightforward to install, it is easy on the eye and easy to use. Being a senior citizen and silver surfer myself, I got into Linux starting with a free disk in a magazine that somebody didn't want, Ubuntu 8.10 with the Gnome UI I think it was. I liked the simplicity and ease of use and although I guess I have picked up a few tricks along the way, I am by no means techy like some of the younger folks on here (LOL). The Cinnamon GUI is very much like the old Gnome2 and when you get older, constants are important.
Anyway, thanks for replying.

gael

I use and recommend Linux Mint myself, it is a very nice distro. Good luck to you and your friend! :)

c|net bol (i wish they would bring it back) did a story a few years ago that a large portion of aol's revenue comes from older people who pay more than $20/mo for dial-up service because they think it is a requirement to access internet/email even though they have dsl/cable.

reminds me of this (nfsw): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...ljemfwUE#t=458 [should be timestamp 7:40]
(but i got like 4,000 hours for free)

I changed from Ubuntu when Unity was introduced ... couldn't get my head around it, it was a mess. I looked around for something simple and functional and was introduced to Linux Mint Mate and was astounded at how easy and logical it was to use. I moved to Cinnamon because it's developing into a great desktop, stable and highly customisable. Of course, I couldn't have made the transition I have from Windows to Linux without the help and support I received from our friends on this, and the Mint forums. I really do appreciate you all.

Thanks gael.

I didn't know that AOL still did software. I guess they must for persons using dial-up.

Their website works just fine on Linux, if she has broadband and you can walk her through connecting to it via a Linux browser. Mint would be an excellent choice, because they work to make their default desktops comfortable for Windows users.

If she's still actually using dial-up, it's likely not worth the effort to migrate her to Linux.

Hi Frank,
She's on broadband and I too checked whether Firefox or Google Chrome could hook into AOL, and it can quite easily.
Yes, the reason I recommended Linux Mint was because it's easy to follow for a raw beginner. Having said that, she's not stupid
and she should be able to learn about the tricks and tweaks as time goes by. What frightens her is the move from Microsoft into the
unknown world of Linux ... personally, I think she will cope with it very well.
Life's a learning curve, don't you think?

Thanks for your input,

gael.

I find it easy to understand her trepidation. As long as she knows there's a learning curve, I bet she's okay; the Windows users who make unhappy posts here are the ones who expect to be able to install Quicken on Linux and wonder why the "ipconfig" command doesn't work.

I did not try Linux myself until I had a whole surplus computer to throw at it, not wanting to jeopardize the "family" computer or my laptop with something I knew nothing about except the name.

Good luck.