There are some good things about AOL, yes, or I wouldn't still be using AOL. But --- I use it as a supplement and as a legacy program for long used e-mail addresses in addition to my Outlook Express. AOL permits me to use unique screen names for different Rootsweb mail lists to prevent confusion as to which list I'm talking to, and keeps my list mail separated efficiently. One thing I like about Outlook Express over AOL is that I can "see" JPGs and GIFs immediately without downloading. I keep the JPGs and GIFs with the e-mail instead. Also, I can open all attachments direct from the e-mail without having to download first. In fact, I don't have to download any attachments at all, as I can view them and simply leave them on the Outlook Express e-mail. I don't have a jillion files on my hard drive, wondering how they got there and which AOL e-mail they arrived under. That's definitely a plus. Once an AOLer has experienced being able to see images immediately, and being able to open attachments directly without downloading, it's hard to go back to AOL. In fact, I forward my AOL e-mails that have attachments over to my Outlook Express account so that I can work with them more efficiently. Lowest cost e-mail program? Outlook Express is free, and AOL can be free (if one pays another ISP), but I pay because there are places where I travel that I have to use dial-up, and AOL ensures that I can get on the internet with dial-up if wireless isn't available. Again, there are some good things about AOL, but since it has destroyed a lot of my saved mail, and has the shortfalls that I've described, I can't give it high recommendations. And cable means that I'm always "on", and being off dial-up means I don't get chewed out royally for my wife missing her many calls. Oh man --- I'm glad THOSE days are over!! Woody ===================== [email protected] writes: > CABLE means speed and $$$ .......and Comcast is the joke of the Internet, > as they determine just how fast you can use their very expensive cable > system. > > AOL email program remains the best in the world, at the lowest $$$ COST. **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)