[chav1]

you dont have to use AOL software vorlon just like you dont have to use bt's software to make your interner connection

all you need is the dial up number , username and password to make the internet connection

aol software does intergrate with your operating system and can cause problems but i would say that 90% of aol users dont notice them

ime not saying the problems arnt there but most users dont spot them and quite happily surf the net as happy as can be

some of my friends use aol and are happy enough but personaly i wouldnt put any disk with AOL on it in my pc

i wont even use ICQ chat client because that is AOL'S

the service provided by AOL through the ntl network would be a lot more reliable than any service brought through the BT network as with any service brought through the bt newtwork your quality of service depends on how far you are away from the exchange box and how many other people are also using it

the ntl network via cable is more constant and reliable as its reliabilty dosnt depend on amount of users connected or distance from the exchange

i for instance can download at a constant 380kbs all day if i wanted yet if i was on bt that speed would rise and fall accordingly to how many people in my area were connected at the exchange