Wi-fi via USB port - compatible with AOL?

Question

I hve been looking at a Wi-fi device for my computer - it's quite cheap, about £20, and looks like a USB port memory stick and comes with installation disks. I want something which will allow wi-fi access for a PSP as well as the PS3 when it comes out, and also a laptop computer. This device claims to do all three. I think it's 54Mbps.

I was reading some reviews on line and there are lots of people claiming they've had problems getting this kind of wi-fi to work with AOL. Is this the case? Opinions would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

Answer 1

It shouldn't be a problem, AOL its just a browser basically now a days. They don't provide the connection any more like they used to. Before it could potentially be a problem since they use what they call the edge device. However, now if you use your own ISP like cable or dsl, there should be no problems because you won't be using aol for the connection, but only for the feutures that its browser interfaces offers. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have to point out that you will require a WI-FI router of some sorts, and most include the modem as standard. These can vary greatly in price, but your typical one shouldn't be too much (about £50-75). Also, their are some routers that are known to not be compatible for one reason or another with some ISP'S. This includes AOL. The easiest thing to do is look around on the internet forums and even contact AOL and check with them before you buy. My Brother had to change router about three times before i got one that worked, so don't learn the hard way, like him :P

Answer 3

Ivan R is pretty spot on. Also other posts mentioned that AOL is just a portal now which is half true. So if you are simply using AOL for its content at .co.uk the compatibility question would need to be with your ISP...but your question seems to suggest AOL is your ISP? Having just left AOL after 5 years all I can do is warn you that the chances are it will not work. The very heavy software (that is proprientary) that sits on your hard drive to access the internet fails with many wireless/Wi-Fi routers...

Also now that Dunstone and Carphone Warehouse has bought the ISP side of AOL I'd be inclined to call their customer service before AOL's... either should be able to advise.

Good luck.

Answer 4

i'm not surprised that you've been warned about AOL and these devices.

The idea is that a browser is a browser, and a web connection is a web connection. Every browser should work fine with every web connection. AOL being such an opinionated piece of self-important junk, it thinks it knows everything with the result that it gets in the way of your internet activity rather than (like the packing says it should) enhancing it .

The answer? Wean yourself off AOL. Get everyone to mail you at your yahoo account or some other online server. When your renewal is due with AOL, switch to something less pretentious. Zen internet is fine, and there are many other good ones.

Answer 5

You also need a Wi-Fi router, they are between £50-£100, depending on where you get it from and the quality, afterall you get what you pay for.

They should work with AOL, but just ask questions in store. Then buy on-line as they are usually cheaper there.

Answer 6

Hello,

(ANS) As an old computer veteran with many many years experience, I would advise you to practise extreme caution here. Anything to do with AOL, why? because AOL have written their own software (AOL's software is proprietory, & still is as far as I am aware) & from the earliest days upto & including the present AOL software was & probably still is dreadfull, very buggy & is basically bloatware. It gobbles up loads of system resouces, & many other services & software wouldnt work with AOL's own programs (especially email & web browsers).

So, YES! be VERY careful when it comes to AOL software & Wifi internet access. If what you have seen is that cheap its probably a dreadfull peice of kit, I would only buy & use it if its been personally recommended & you've seen it working.

IR

Answer 7

I would get the Netgear DG384G or soemthing like that. Supported by AOL and quite cheap now.

Got a second PC and two Nintendo Wii's going through mine with no problem on AOL

Answer 8

My sister has AOL wireless and so far doesn't have a problem.

My only advice would be buy a USB Wireless Adaptor that is compatible with AOL.

They use Netgear Wireless Routers so go and buy a Netgear Adaptor and things should work just fine.

Answer 9

The ISP - IE AOL makes no difference. It is the actual connection between the USB Dongle and the Wireless Router. that however is accademic and you will have no problem with what you wish to achieve.

Answer 10

Using any wired modem/routers should work without any problem, because once you install it and connect the desktop your internet connection should be up as well. It`s like having a wired connection from an internet providing company. The modem/router you will get will have a LAN port and your computer has one aswell. As soon as the modem/router is configured for internet access just plug the cable between the modem and computer and in short time you will be accessing the internet.