Review: A0L 7

Kai Chandler reports on the brand new AOL 7 client software.

Product	AOL 7
Company	AOL
Web	www.aol.co.uk
Price
We like
We don't like	Copy-protection system, initially a little complex
Rating
Requirements

Although it's less than a year since AOL 6.0 hit the streets up and down Britain, AOL has just upgraded its client software to AOL version 7.0.

So what's new and is it worth upgrading?

Racy new appearance.

Firstly, the appearance of the screen has changed. AOL 7.0 now sports a racy yellow on dark blue strip which to my eyes is slightly easier to read than that of AOL 6. A direct link to Parental Controls now appears under the Services menu, replacing the Calendar function. This can now be found as an option from the Services menu.

New to AOL 7.0 is a search box. Just type your search phrase into the search box and click on "Search" to use AOL's own search engine at www.aolsearch.aol.co.uk.

AutoComplete

Internet Explorer users will be familiar with the AutoComplete function. IE monitors each letter entered into an address field and when it recognises the beginning of an address, IE completes it. This is a real time saver. AutoComplete now works with AOL when entering email or instant messaging addresses as well as internet web site addresses.

Support for global roamers

If you travel then you'll appreciate being able to access your calendar and Address Book when logging on as guest from other locations. In other words, this information is stored centrally rather than on your own personal computer. It also means that if your system goes down or is stolen, your precious address book and calendar will not be lost. You can also access your calendar when logging on via www.aol.co.uk.

Although I've not tested myself, AOL say that you can also get your email and use Instant Messaging via a WAP mobile phone.

Buddy Lists

There are some new features on the buddy list - that's the list that shows you which of your nominated "buddies" are online at the same time as yourself. You can define automatic responses to be sent if you receive an instant message while away from the PC.

Email

If you click on the sender's email address while reading an email, you'll bring up a menu from which you can find out more about the sender, add them to your Address Book or send them an Instant Message.

There's also an improved Media Player which now plays CDs and all popular streaming audio and video formats and improved support for WAP phones

Would be upgraders should note that the new AOL version 7.0 software will be installed in a completely separate directory for example: "AOL 7.0". The installation process will preserve personalised settings such as your Favourite Places, Screen Names, Address Book, and Personal Filing Cabinet. Your browser will be upgraded to Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 although if you are already on a higher version, that will be preserved.

So to sum up, AOL 7.0 has quite a few nifty new features. Of course it's free to upgrade and use so well worth getting. You can download AOL 7.0 but watch out as it's over 20MB. Alternatively you can order a free CD. To obtain AOL 7.0 or goto Keyword Upgrade.

To run AOL 7.0 you need Windows 95, 98, Millennium Edition, 2000 Professional or XP.

 

Kai Chandler