Switching away from AOL is not as scary as you think!

If you're using AOL you probably already know you're paying too much for your Internet access; but you may also feel trapped because you don't know how to "pull the plug" on AOL.

This article is written to give you clear guidance on how to switch to a new ISP (Internet Service Provider) and wean yourself off of AOL. If you find it useful, please bookmark it to your favorite network by clicking thie bookmark button:

You're Paying Too Much and Feeling Trapped

AOL is a great service for people new to the Internet. You just install their software, log in and voilà, you're on-line. Everything is in one place. You get your e-mail automatically, you can surf the world wide web, perform searches with their Google supported search feature, and send Instant Messages. (Of course, to get all this convenience, you have to pay a premium price and put up with their never-ending bombardment of pop-up ads and other annoying stuff.)

At $23.95, AOL is one of the highest priced dial-up services available. In fact it's more than twice as much as the dial-up services we recommend to our customers. If money is no object for you, then paying for the convenience of AOL may be a good option for you. But if you're like most folks today, it's important to save money anywhere you can. And you should be able to enjoy your Internet experience without the annoyance of pop-up ads displayed by your own ISP!

How to Begin the Switch

So where do you begin to make the switch? First of all, we're not recommending you go "cold turkey." Don't cancel your AOL account and try to move right into another program. The first thing you want to do is learn what will be involved - that's why you're reading this article. Secondly, you'll want to establish a new Internet access account and be sure it is working correctly for you and that you are able to send and receive e-mail with the new account. The third and final step will be to cancel your old AOL account.

You'll Need a Web Browser

In order to "survive" without AOL you will need a couple pieces of software. You probably already have these installed on your computer. First you'll need a web browser. A web browser is software such as Internet Explorer or Safari that allows you to look at web pages. (AOL has this software built into their package.) Most PCs today come with Internet Explorer pre-installed as it is part of the Windows Operating System. Look to verify that you have it. (Once you're established with your new provider, it would be a good idea to make sure you have the latest version of Internet Explorer. Free updates are available from Microsoft.) If you are a Mac user with OSX, you will have Safari already installed as part of your OS.

A Better, More Secure Web Browser

We feel there is an even better web browser than IE. Mozilla's award-winning next generation web browser, Firefox, empowers you to browse faster, more safely and more efficiently than with any other browser. Firefox is available for both Mac and PC. However the link below with the Google toolbar is only for PCs. Mac users go here to get Firefox.

Get a New e-mail Program

The second piece of software you'll need outside of AOL, is an e-mail program, sometimes referred to as an e-mail "client". These would include Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora and others. Your PC probably came equipped with Outlook Express, so you likely already have what you need, but if you don't see an e-mail program on your computer you can get a free version of Eudora Light at the Eudora site or Mozilla has also come out with a popular new E-mail client called Thunderbird. Thunderbird gives you a faster, safer, and more productive e-mail experience. Thunderbird was designed to prevent viruses and to stop junk mail so you can get back to reading your mail. Macs running OSX have Apple's Mail program already installed.

Sign up for a new ISP

Once you're sure you have the software you'll need to navigate the web without AOL, you're ready to enroll with a new Internet service provider, or ISP. If you're upgrading to highspeed broadband Internet, try our Shop for DSL tool to find the best DSL rates for your area. For dial-up we recommend Copper.net at $9.95 month. Due to a special promotion you can now sign up for Copper Internet for just $4.97/month for the first six months. This promotion is not available from their regular home page; you must sign up through this link. Or you might be interested in Basic ISP at just $6.95 month with a $1 for your first month special. What's the difference? Copper offers free toll-free phone support - Basic ISP doesn't. Basic gives you free e-mail support, but calling their toll-free support line will cost $4.95 for each incident. But hey, it's such a simple and dependable service, you'll probably never have to call them and their e-mail response is very fast.

Before you sign up for another dial-up Internet service, you'll have to determine that there is at least one access number that is a local call from your home. Write this number down and if there is more than one local number available to you, write them all down. You'll also have to pick a user name and a password; write these down as well. Keep in mind that your user name will be a part of your new e-mail address so choose your user name carefully. Copper.net includes one free e-mail account, but you can add additional e-mail addresses onto your account for just $1 each, per month.

Configure your Computer for New Service

Once you've completed your order, you will need to configure your computer to use the service. I suppose this is the part that scares most AOL users into keeping their existing service even though they know it's too expensive. But it really isn't that hard. If you're using a PC, the configure button on the Copper or Basic ISP signup page will do the set up for you. Set up is easy, and instructions will also be sent to you in your welcome e-mail package when your account is activated.

If you choose not to use the configure button, you can start Dial-Up Networking by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, pointing to Accessories, pointing to Communications, and then clicking Dial-Up Networking. Enter in your User name, Password, Access phone number, a host name (copper.net) and domain name (copper.net). Full instructions on configuring your computer for Copper.net and Basic ISP dial-up and e-mail are available on their support pages.

Log on using your Windows Dial-up Networking. Once you have a connection, you can launch Internet Explorer and try a little surfing. If you want to search for something I recommend you go to Google.com by typing www.google.com in the address window of your browser. This is the same search engine that AOL uses, so you should be familiar with how it works. If that works fine, then it's time to test your e-mail program. Check to see that you can both send and receive e-mail. If you're having problems with e-mail, go back to the support pages and read through the instructions again to be sure you have everything set-up correctly. If it still doesn't work properly call Copper.net toll free support line. There is no cost for support calls. Or if you're using Basic ISP, send an e-mail to their support department from your old AOL account.

If you're on a Mac, use the Mail program to set up your email account. Go to preferences under the Mail menu. Choose Accounts. Click the + sign at the bottom of the page to add a new account. Then fill in the information about your new account based on what was given to you by your provider.

Notify your Friends

Once you're online and everything seems to be working, begin the task of notifying all the people in your address book of your new e-mail address. Set a date when you think you'll want to discontinue your AOL service and tell your friends that after that date you will no longer be receiving e-mail at your old AOL address. (And if they are AOL users spending too much on their Internet service, refer them to this article. They'll thank you once they too make the switch!) If you would like to start receiving your AOL e-mail into your e-mail software so that it resides on your personal computer instead of the AOL server, you'll want to read this article for full instructions.

Forwarding Your e-mail

We've found a handy FREE service that will forward your old e-mail to your new e-mail address. Check out Return Path. Return Path will automatically forwards e-mails sent to your old address to your new address and they also e-mail the sender to let them know you've changed your e-mail address. You'll have to search their homepage to find this service. We found it near the bottom of the right column.

Another e-mail forwarding service is located at TrueSwitch.com.

Recreating Your Address Book

1. Log on to AOL and send a message to everyone in your address book with your new contact info. Copy yourself on this message. Log off.
2. Log on to your new ISP. Launch Outlook Express (which usually comes preinstalled with Windows), open the message you sent to yourself, select the Tools menu from inside that message, then click "Add to Address Book" > "Everyone on To List." Outlook Express will ask you to OK each new address book entry one by one. (Just make sure that none of these names are already in your Outlook Express address book, or the program will stop in the middle of the process.)

Bring your AOL e-mail, address book and favorite places with you

There is a program called ePreserver from Connected Software that might be of interest to you if you're serious about saving all your AOL data. The cost is currently $24.95 for one license. Order on-line and you'll be able to download the software immediately. (Not available for Mac users.)

If you're opening a g-Mail account at Google, they have specific instructions on how to import your contacts into your new g-Mail account. It's very easy, but does involve building an Excel file of all your contacts.

Keep your AOL Instant Messenger

One last thing you'll possibly want is AOL Instant Messenger. (Did I say AOL??? Yes, I did, because AOL IM is available free for non-AOL users too. To keep your current screen name, go to this page and enter your screen name and password. Then you'll be directed to the AIM download page. Follow the instructions on the Instant Messenger Download page for your computer type.

Cancel your AOL Service

Once everything is working to your satisfaction and all your e-mail is now coming to your new Internet account, it will be time to cancel your AOL account. For information on how to cancel AOL and other major Internet Service Providers, we've prepared a list of phone numbers here.

One more thing - I've obviously written this article towards PC users, but guess what! I'm a Macintosh user. If you are also a Mac user, I'd be particularly happy to help you set up your Mac for Copper or Basic ISP. It's really quite easy, and all the instructions are located at the Copper.net and Basic ISP support pages.

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