Karen, I agree with Jon. I have had AOL since I first began using computers. My reason in the beginning was because it was more user friendly than anything else. I tried earthlink, but was not impressed at all, and that lasted about a week. I may be wrong and Jon can answer to this, but isn't it possible to eliminate the weather, news, etc. that appear at the opening of AOL? I haven't tried it because I take advantage of some of the ads, and the news is always up to date, so I rarely even read our local newspaper anymore. I also like the email program, and you get *free* anti-virus, and security, etc. I wouldn't trade it for anything else. Just is just my opinion. My son hates it. Virgene ..................................................................................................................... In a message dated 10/7/2008 3:53:30 P.M. US Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Karen, I'd suggest that you put AOL on your MAC and see what happens. You can always uninstall the program. I wouldn't let the opinion of a store clerk, who might have his own bias, persuade you. Jon **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out! (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001)