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The AOL Tips newsletter publishes every other Tuesday, with tips, tricks, shortcuts and links to the best content on the Web. AOL members automatically receive the newsletter in their email inbox each week. If you're not receiving the newsletter and would like to, subscribe for free. (You don't have to be an AOL member to subscribe.)

 June 23, 2009
BE A PART OF MAKING AOL THE BEST IT CAN BE!
Everyone has an opinion. And now you have a chance to make yours heard while you help improve the next version of AOL. At AOL Beta Central you can get the scoop on upcoming releases of AOL, AIM and other products, tools and software before they are released to the public. Plus, you can share your feedback with the teams developing them and help shape how the final product turns out. The latest version of the AOL software (9.5 refresh Beta) is currently being tested and we'd love to hear how you like it or what should be changed.

TAKE THE SHORTCUT ACROSS AMERICA
We've mentioned Shortcuts.com before -- where you can add online coupons to your grocery store loyalty card instead of using paper ones. Well, now you can use Shortcuts.com at even more stores! Shortcuts.com coupons can be used at Safeway, Vons, Carrs, Dominick's, Genuardi's, Tom Thumb, Randalls, and Pavilions. Check out the complete list of participating stores to find locations near you. And, if you're interested in having Shortcuts.com at your local grocery store, let us know. And for more shortcuts (and even less paper), try creating your grocery lists online and sending them to a mobile device. Make being "listless" a good thing.

THE WRITE STUFF
In our last Tips poll, we asked what you like to do online. The majority of you like to read and send email, so we thought this would be a good time to make sure you know all the cool stuff you can do with your email. Folks using the AOL software can add fun into what used to be simply functional. Take a moment to find out about all the email extras you can use, such as inserting pictures, animations and art, audio files and sounds, photographs, electronic greetingsstationery, or create an email signature that shows up on all your outgoing email.

Ever forgotten the right... um... what do you call it... word? AOL members can get help from the Reference Center (or www.referencecenter.com) and put in a search term. Then get the information you need from an encyclopedia, dictionary or thesaurus. Plus, come back daily for the Word of the Day to improve your vocabulary.
First there was Conficker, then Gumblar. And now along comes Nine Ball, another difficult-to-defeat virus that tries to load malware onto a user's PC. With all these viruses running rampant, it's more important than ever to have the latest comprehensive online protection. It's like a flu shot for your computer.
Top 10 lists can be so much fun. They can validate your opinion or start great debates. We've got some of the wackiest pop-culture Top 10 Lists ever. Check out the "Best TV Theme Songs," "Best Billy Joel Breakup Songs" and "10 Celebrity Twins You Didn't Know About." Let the debates begin!     
How are you saving money this summer?

Take the poll above to cast your vote!

Using coupons (thanks Shortcuts.com)
Finding cheap gas (thanks AOL Autos)
Frugal dining (thanks Recession Restaurant Deals)
Bury all cash in a hole in the backyard (thanks AOL Gardening)

And paid AOL subscribers can take advantage of AOL Member Discounts for more savings! 
Q: Is it possible to change the boring blue background of my AOL software?

A: Most of the versions of your AOL software will allow you to customize your AOL background, as well as your AOL toolbar. Using AOL Settings, you can select Desktop Themes to see your options. You can also use AOL Keyword: Desktops. There are many themes to choose from, so have fun!
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Cast Your Vote Now

Tips Greatest Hits

Here are the top features Tips readers have been clicking on.

  1. MapQuest Gas Prices

    Find the lowest price for gas in your area.

  2. AOL® 9.1

    Get the latest version of AOL.

  3. McAfee® VirusScan Plus -- Special edition from AOL

    Comprehensive protection from a leading name in security.

  4. AIM® 6.9

    Everything you love about AIM, and a whole lot more.

  5. Fantastic Freebies

    Every single day, find something new you can get for free.

  6. One-Click Fixes

    Fix your self-diagnosed and common tech issues in one-click.

  7. Essential AOL

    What is essential for you onilne?

  8. Computer Check-Up

    Find and fix more than 30 PC and Internet problems.

  9. Help Wizard

    Get tech questions answered like magic.

  10. AOL® Radio Powered by CBS Radio

    All your favorite AOL stations as well as 150+ CBS Radio stations from around the US.

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    Discover AOL provides information about AOL's many products and services, including free software (AOL 9.1, AOL Desktop for Mac, AIM), Safety and Security tools (McAfee® VirusScan® Plus -- Special edition from AOL, Computer Check-Up) and free services like Video, Radio, Email, Instant Messaging and Parental Controls. Check out AOL A-Z for a full, alphabetical directory of everything on AOL.

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