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Question History!
From : ewye
To : saintly
User Comment : Your answer might not qualify as saintly, but it really helped me. Thanks
Rating :
Message Status : Public

[08-29-2000] ewye : (Attachment) I'm fed up with AOL in general, and connecting speeds in particular. My phone co. gives my wires a clean bill of health (of course they would). Naturally, AOL blames wire noise. I'd like to try "Mindspring," but I'm too chicken to make the change cold turkey. Can I run them side by side with AOL? It would be great if I could get a week free without committing myself, but I'm willing to pay two ISPs for a trial to solve the problem. I'm too cheap for the real solution.
[08-29-2000] saintly :
Well, you can connect to AOL using the connection from the real ISP, if that is what you mean. It would lower your AOL bill too (since you are not using them to connect).

I don't know about getting a free week from Mindspring. It isn't advertised, but if you call or email them, they may be willing to do it. Most will refund your money if you aren't satisfied with your service or want to switch back.

Perhaps I didn't understand your question...
[08-30-2000] ewye : (Attachment) I'm afraid I did poor job of communicating. I wished to know:
1. Can I install MindSpring and leave AOL in place to compare connecting speeds?
2. Do you have an opinion regarding MindSpring's intimation that they are faster than AOL?
3. I realize that DSL would be the way to go for me, but I'm reluctant to spend the $40 that it would cost me when it becomes available in my area?
4. I think what I'm trying to ask is do you have a high enough opinion of MindSpring to drop AOL without fear of being stranded if your beef with them was slow connecting speeds?
[08-30-2000] saintly :
1. Yes, you can install MindSpring without trashing AOL's software or setup.
2. *Everybody* is faster than AOL (almost)
3. OOh... well, DSL would run about 30 times faster. Is that worth it? I can't get it in my area, but I'd love to.
4. I haven't heard anything good or bad about MindSpring, but I don't think anybody has regretted dropping AOL in favor of an ISP. The reason people use AOL is because they're new to computers and want something simple and easy to use. If you're comfortable with the Internet and can find your way around, then you no longer need AOL (just about every feature that AOL claims is "Exclusive" to them is available for free on the Internet somewhere)

Hope that helps

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