AOL Desktop

Install AOL Desktop on your desktop computer, log in with your AOL account, and then use the application to chat with other people, to send and manage your emails, and to browse the web – access any webpage you want, check out the current weather conditions, read up on the latest news, and so on.

AOL Desktop is available for Microsoft’s Windows operating system.
AOL Desktop is available for Apple’s Mac OS X as well.
AOL Desktop works with the free AOL service and with all AOL Advantage plans.

A setup wizard will help you install AOL Desktop on your Windows PC. It will ask you to choose between upgrading an existing version and installing a new version. It will also ask you to select your preferred software settings: open email with AOL Desktop, set AOL as your default browser, set AOL Search as your default search provider, set AOL.com as your default homepage, install the AOL Toolbar for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

A Let’s Get Started prompt will show up when you’re done with the installation and you run AOL Desktop for the first time. This prompt will ask you to create a new AOL account or use an existing account to sign in.

AOL describes the AOL Desktop application as “the all-in-one experience with mail, instant messaging, browsing, search, content, and dial-up connectivity.” It’s all true. You can use AOL Desktop to check your mail, to chat with friends, to surf the web, to access news and other types of content, and even to connect to the web with the AOL dialer.

During the installation process, I already mentioned this above, you’ll be asked to install the AOL Toolbar for Internet Explorer and Firefox. If you opt out, that’s your choice. If you don’t opt out, if you choose to install the AOL Toolbar, you’ll have easy access to breaking news, mail and the weather.

By using AOL Desktop you can manage your emails, chat with others, surf the web, access all sorts of content, and connect to the web with the AOL dialer.

Pros
AOL Desktop is available for Windows and Mac. You can sign in with your free account or with an AOL Advantage account. USe AOL Desktop to chat, manage your email, surf the web, and connect to the web. The customizable AOL Toolbar provides easy access to breaking news, mail and the weather. AOL Desktop is free software.

Cons
The interface feels dated and it’s a bit too cluttered.