[paucat]

Hi I use AOL successfully on a home desk top PC and also on my company laptop when at home. My problem is when I connect to my company network remotely using a VPN connection (via AOL) - I make a connection but after 5 minutes exactly AOL disconnects me ? After several months of discussions with my company helpdesk IT specialists from the UK, America and India my company concludes this is a typical AOL problem - and I have to agree. Can any one help me or do I need to swap providers?

Regards

Paucat

[Curlyben]

There's a number of ISP's available in the UK.
AOL is good for the technophobe net user, but once you start to want to use the net for other services rather than just surfing then dumping AOL is the best option.

It's slightly difficult to know which ISP are available in your area, but The Broadband Resource, located HERE will help a great deal.
Just enter you Postcode and BT phone number and it will tell you want it available.

If you need any further advice feel free to ask.

[ScottGem]

Because AOL was not an ISP (it was an online content provider with a gateway to the Net), it had many problems with the switch to broadband. It never really got that right.

So my advice is to use another carrier for access. If you still want access to AOL, you can use your carrier to connect and get a reduced rate from AOL. However, AOL is now remaking itself, so you can access most AOL content without being an AOL subscriber. You can keep your AOL e-mail addresses as well.

[paucat]

Many thanks for your responses - I think you have confirmed what I must do - get another provider ! IIt was interesting to read your comments on keeping AOL e-mail accounts even if using another provider for e.g. BT , do you have any more information on this ?

[ScottGem]

Go to AOL.com they have the info. You should also have been sent e-mails about that.

[paucat]

Will do, many thanks for your feedback