Does anyone know if you can use Outlook Express with AOL?  I think that AOL has its own e-mail software doesn't it?

In my opinion, AOL's tendency to regard all its users as 10-year old Americans, has resulted in its e-mail facilities being pretty basic.

Unless things have radically improved since I last used AOL in the first half of 2002, all you are able to do is view and compose your messages online, since users aren't trusted to be able to handle anything as relatively complex as Outlook Express.

I have seen a couple workarounds for OE alluded to, but have long since lost those URLs I'm afraid.

Like I said, it's good for kids.  

I remember using it myself for a few months but I hated it too.  I didn't use the mail facility because I was only using it as a daytime ISP at 1p a minute when I only had off-peak unmetered access with BT.

With OE you have to ask for your mail to be downloaded (at least that's how I set mine up).  Is it the same with AOL or does the mail arrive without you having to ask for it?

Thanks Whiskas, that's what I wanted to know.  

Thanks Hitch.  I think the version of AOL in question is 7 but I haven't actually seen it myself.

Nope.   >

No.  It's because it's purely web-based, Simon.