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Frequently Asked Questions About AOL 9.1
1. What are the system requirements to use AOL® 9.1?
2. What's new in AOL 9.1?
3. What are the changes to email?
4. What is an Inbox? How do I use it?
5. I'm on broadband, why do I see the Welcome Screen before the Sign-On screen?
6. Where's my Sign-On screen?
7. What is Invisible Mode, and how do I use it?
8. Has the Toolbar changed?
9. What are these new options when I right-click my mouse, and how do I use them?
10. Why do I get this Restore Session pop-up when I log in?
11. What does the AOL Parental Controls link do?
12. How do I become an AOL member?
1. What are the system requirements to use AOL® 9.1?
2. What's new in AOL 9.1?
AOL 9.1 is an update of our all-in-one software, which provides new features to further enrich your online experience. Key enhancements to AOL 9.1 include:
3. What are the changes to email?
We've changed email to be more aligned with industry standards. We've included an "Inbox" that provides unlimited mail storage -- all emails are retained unless they are moved or deleted by the user. Newly registered users will automatically get the new Inbox view. If you already are a current AOL user, you will have the option to switch to the new Inbox view or retain the current New/Old mail view. In addition, all users will now see the original quoted email when replying to or forwarding emails to others.
4. What is an Inbox? How do I use it?
An Inbox is where you receive your incoming emails, and where read and unread mails are stored until you save or delete them. Mails that have been received but not yet read appear in bold type. You will see a count of your new and unread emails next to the Inbox tab.
5. I'm on broadband, why do I see the Welcome Screen before the Sign-On screen?
With AOL 9.1, if you have a broadband Internet connection, you can browse the Web without signing on. You no longer have to use a separate browser or sign in just to check what time a movie is playing or catch up on the latest news. Launch AOL 9.1, freely surf the Web, and then, if you wish to use email, IM or adjust your account settings, you can sign on for full access. To disable this setting and just show the sign-on screen, you can click on the Settings icon in the toolbar, select Start-Up Settings and check the box next to "Always ask me to sign in when I start up AOL."
6. Where's my Sign-On screen?
If you have an always-on Internet connection, AOL will launch directly to the Welcome Screen and browser. At any time you may select the "Sign-On" menu item to access your email, instant messages, account settings or private information.
7. What is Invisible Mode, and how do I use it?
Invisible Mode allows you to be online but appear offline to others, even those on your Buddy List. If you'd like to sign on without receiving instant messages, you can choose the Invisible Mode and work without interruption. To switch to Invisible Mode, click the "open eye" icon at the top of the Buddy List. When the eye is open, you are visible and everyone can see you're online. When the eye is closed, you are in Invisible Mode and will appear offline. If you wish, you can choose Invisible Mode as your default setting under IM Settings, so you will always appear offline as soon as you sign on.
8. Has the Toolbar changed?
The Safety icon was moved into the Toolbar carousel and the News icon was added to the left of the Settings icon to give you the ability to quickly access top stories in entertainment, sports, business or local news. You can also hover over the News icon to see a quick preview of the latest news stories.
Additionally, there is a drop-down button to the left of the Search button to access your Search history and see your most recent searches.
9. What are these new options when I right-click my mouse, and how do I use them?
In AOL 9.1, you can use the right-click options to perform searches on text that you highlight, or redirect the text to the Dictionary, Thesaurus or Yellow Pages sites. Highlight a word or phrase, right-mouse click and choose any of the options you see in the drop down list. For example, while reading an email you could highlight the text "Beckham soccer," right-mouse click, choose the "AOL Search" option and a page of search results automatically opens in the browser.
10. Why do I get this Restore Session pop-up when I log in?
Restore Sessions is a new feature in AOL 9.1. If this setting is enabled, browser sessions will be restored to their previous state in the event of a sudden logout or interruption. If the software closes or logs out unexpectedly, upon restart the browser will re-open to the same Web page. Only browser sessions will be restored, not email or IMs, and you must be signed on to restore sessions. You can enable or disable this feature at AOL Keyword: Browser Settings.
11. What does the AOL Parental Controls link do?
It provides a link within Windows Vista Parental Controls for convenient access to free AOL Parental Controls, which provides additional protections that you can activate at any time. With AOL Parental Controls you get browsing, IM, email and online time limit controls to provide a safer online experience for your kids, with the choice of simple pre-set age options or customizable settings. Note: AOL Parental Controls for Windows Vista requires separate download and installation. If you choose to uninstall at a later time, use the AOL Uninstaller under Windows Add/Remove Programs.
For other helpful information about AOL's products and services and answers to additional questions, visit Discover AOL or AOL Help.
12. How do I become an AOL member?
Whether you're looking for an easy way to connect to the Internet, or great features to enhance your high-speed connection, AOL has a variety of plans starting as low as $9.99 per month. Plans include comprehensive online security software from McAfee, 24/7 technical support (certain plans only), up to seven AOL screen names with unlimited email storage, and all-in-one internet software such as AOL 9.1. To get started and choose the right plan for you, click here.
2. What's new in AOL 9.1?
3. What are the changes to email?
4. What is an Inbox? How do I use it?
5. I'm on broadband, why do I see the Welcome Screen before the Sign-On screen?
6. Where's my Sign-On screen?
7. What is Invisible Mode, and how do I use it?
8. Has the Toolbar changed?
9. What are these new options when I right-click my mouse, and how do I use them?
10. Why do I get this Restore Session pop-up when I log in?
11. What does the AOL Parental Controls link do?
12. How do I become an AOL member?
1. What are the system requirements to use AOL® 9.1?
Windows 2000 SP3, XP, Vista
Minimum 128 MB RAM
At least 375 MB of free hard-drive space, plus an additional 85 MB if you need to install Internet Explorer ® 6.0
Internet Explorer ® 6.0 or higher
Minimum 166 Mhz CPU
VGA, SVGA or better display
800x600 screen resolution or higher -- 1024x768 for optimal viewing
28.8 Kbps or faster modem, or other Internet connection
2. What's new in AOL 9.1?
AOL 9.1 is an update of our all-in-one software, which provides new features to further enrich your online experience. Key enhancements to AOL 9.1 include:
The ability to browse the Web without signing on when you have a broadband or third-party dial-up connection
An Inbox-style mailbox with unlimited storage
Increased flexibility with the addition of express and customized installation options
The ability to easily find and add RSS feeds to your Favorites while browsing
Quick access to the latest news by clicking or hovering over the News icon in the Toolbar
3. What are the changes to email?
We've changed email to be more aligned with industry standards. We've included an "Inbox" that provides unlimited mail storage -- all emails are retained unless they are moved or deleted by the user. Newly registered users will automatically get the new Inbox view. If you already are a current AOL user, you will have the option to switch to the new Inbox view or retain the current New/Old mail view. In addition, all users will now see the original quoted email when replying to or forwarding emails to others.
4. What is an Inbox? How do I use it?
An Inbox is where you receive your incoming emails, and where read and unread mails are stored until you save or delete them. Mails that have been received but not yet read appear in bold type. You will see a count of your new and unread emails next to the Inbox tab.
5. I'm on broadband, why do I see the Welcome Screen before the Sign-On screen?
With AOL 9.1, if you have a broadband Internet connection, you can browse the Web without signing on. You no longer have to use a separate browser or sign in just to check what time a movie is playing or catch up on the latest news. Launch AOL 9.1, freely surf the Web, and then, if you wish to use email, IM or adjust your account settings, you can sign on for full access. To disable this setting and just show the sign-on screen, you can click on the Settings icon in the toolbar, select Start-Up Settings and check the box next to "Always ask me to sign in when I start up AOL."
6. Where's my Sign-On screen?
If you have an always-on Internet connection, AOL will launch directly to the Welcome Screen and browser. At any time you may select the "Sign-On" menu item to access your email, instant messages, account settings or private information.
7. What is Invisible Mode, and how do I use it?
Invisible Mode allows you to be online but appear offline to others, even those on your Buddy List. If you'd like to sign on without receiving instant messages, you can choose the Invisible Mode and work without interruption. To switch to Invisible Mode, click the "open eye" icon at the top of the Buddy List. When the eye is open, you are visible and everyone can see you're online. When the eye is closed, you are in Invisible Mode and will appear offline. If you wish, you can choose Invisible Mode as your default setting under IM Settings, so you will always appear offline as soon as you sign on.
8. Has the Toolbar changed?
The Safety icon was moved into the Toolbar carousel and the News icon was added to the left of the Settings icon to give you the ability to quickly access top stories in entertainment, sports, business or local news. You can also hover over the News icon to see a quick preview of the latest news stories.
Additionally, there is a drop-down button to the left of the Search button to access your Search history and see your most recent searches.
9. What are these new options when I right-click my mouse, and how do I use them?
In AOL 9.1, you can use the right-click options to perform searches on text that you highlight, or redirect the text to the Dictionary, Thesaurus or Yellow Pages sites. Highlight a word or phrase, right-mouse click and choose any of the options you see in the drop down list. For example, while reading an email you could highlight the text "Beckham soccer," right-mouse click, choose the "AOL Search" option and a page of search results automatically opens in the browser.
10. Why do I get this Restore Session pop-up when I log in?
Restore Sessions is a new feature in AOL 9.1. If this setting is enabled, browser sessions will be restored to their previous state in the event of a sudden logout or interruption. If the software closes or logs out unexpectedly, upon restart the browser will re-open to the same Web page. Only browser sessions will be restored, not email or IMs, and you must be signed on to restore sessions. You can enable or disable this feature at AOL Keyword: Browser Settings.
11. What does the AOL Parental Controls link do?
It provides a link within Windows Vista Parental Controls for convenient access to free AOL Parental Controls, which provides additional protections that you can activate at any time. With AOL Parental Controls you get browsing, IM, email and online time limit controls to provide a safer online experience for your kids, with the choice of simple pre-set age options or customizable settings. Note: AOL Parental Controls for Windows Vista requires separate download and installation. If you choose to uninstall at a later time, use the AOL Uninstaller under Windows Add/Remove Programs.
For other helpful information about AOL's products and services and answers to additional questions, visit Discover AOL or AOL Help.
12. How do I become an AOL member?
Whether you're looking for an easy way to connect to the Internet, or great features to enhance your high-speed connection, AOL has a variety of plans starting as low as $9.99 per month. Plans include comprehensive online security software from McAfee, 24/7 technical support (certain plans only), up to seven AOL screen names with unlimited email storage, and all-in-one internet software such as AOL 9.1. To get started and choose the right plan for you, click here.
