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List:       systalk
Subject:    [Systalk] AOL mail port???
From:       Kurt Huhn kurthuhn () k-huhn ! com
Date:       2000-01-31 22:40:56
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I've had nothing but trouble "supporting" AOL on my relative's computers.
The problem with AOL being "fool proof" is that only fools can use it.
Perhaps an unfair statement, but anything I know about connecting to an ISP
goes right out the window when I deal with AOL connections.

For instance:  Last night I had problems on two computers in one house, both
trying to connect to AOL.  The first had a problem with AOL using the modem.
You'd think that it would simply redirect to Windows for interaction with
the modem, like other software.  But no, it still wants exclusive access to
the modem in order to dial and connect.  I found that it was trying to use a
misconfigured modem.  Blame the end user for that, reconfigure it, and move
on.  It would seem to me, that since Windows was able to "talk" to the
modem, AOL wouldn't have a proplem - color me presumptuous.  The other
computer actually needed to have DNS resolution disabled in TCP/IP
properties in able to use the "internet" portion.  I kept getting an IE
error with DNS timeout messages.  I thought, what the hell, lets take a
look.  Normally I would expect that you would need DNS resolution for
internet connections - apparently I assume too much where AOL is concerned.
I have to stop imagining that AOL is a "real" internet provider - they
aren't.

AOL used to restrict access to websites when they were competitors to AOL.
For instance, when my home page was housed on MCI's member servers, it used
to be inaccessable from AOL because MCI is a competing ISP.  Stuff like that
burns my butt, big time.

Kurt

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Bill Allbritton <ballbrit@nc5.infi.net>
    To: systalk@dhs.org <systalk@dhs.org>
    Date: Monday, January 31, 2000 11:19 AM
    Subject: Re: [Systalk] AOL mail port???


    I suffered poor service from AOL when I first started fooling with
internet. EVen when I tried to terminate with them, their procedure for
leaving was so cumbersome and tricky as to prolong my time with them--- all
the while they were debiting my credit card. At risk of sounding biased I
suggest that seek another ISP provider----- anybody else, look in local
telephone yellow pages, MINDSPRING, INFINET, etal.. almost all of whom offer
FREE TRIAL. Fact is, there is also FREE ISP Providers such as freeinet,
dot.now, etal., about whom I have heard fair to good

    things. Simply Put: I suspect AOL makes it difficult to deal with the
world outside of their circuit. Good luck. Bill



        ----- Original Message -----

        From: Bill Allbritton

        To: systalk@dhs.org

        Sent: Monday, January 31, 2000 8:56 AM

        Subject: Re: [Systalk] AOL mail port???




        Although I don't completely understand your situation, I thought
comments regarding AOL might be helpful.

        I first tried this company years ago. I found they attempt to
isolate their users in a sort of complex system which is difficult to
escape.It's as though you have flown into Atlanta (for instance) and are
staying on one of those MOTEL ISLANDS which have their own shops,
restaurants, etc.. in a type of instant community which is difficult to get
away from. I suspect this concept is part of your problem- if not primary
reason.



        I also found it difficult to xmit e-mail to someone OUTSIDE of the
AOL customer base although this may have changed since my experience with
them in 1993-94. Best regards/Bill

            ----- Original Message -----

            From: David B Raisey

            To: systalk@dhs.org

            Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2000 5:38 AM

            Subject: [Systalk] AOL mail port???




            I was experimenting with SMTP servers and the protocol for
transferring mail.



            I randomly picked aol but their server refused the connection.
I already tried my local mail host and got the sort of response in the RFC.



            What got me wondering is how does aol accept mail if they don't
respond on the SMTP/25 port?  I also tried to see if POP3/110 was active and
didn't get a connection either.



            Now I really started to wonder.  Why are these ports blocked and
how on earth do they get any mail in?



            Any ideas?

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