I think everyone knew this time would come but I am surprised it took so long. StopBadware.org is the one that is putting up the fight against AOL and they have a long list of reasons why AOL 9.0 (free version) shouldn’t be installed.
Here is their reasoning:
In our preliminary findings, we find that AOL 9.0 (free version) is currently badware because it installs additional software without telling the user, it forces the user to take certain actions, it adds various components to Internet Explorer and the taskbar without disclosure, it may automatically update without the user’s consent, and it fails to uninstall completely.
…
- Installs additional software without disclosure (Deceptive installation)
- Forces users to take an action (Interferes with computer use)
- Adds AOL toolbar in Internet Explorer (Makes changes to other software without disclosure)
- Adds additional icons to default Internet Explorer toolbar (Makes changes to other software without disclosure)
- Adds to “Favorites” in Internet Explorer (Modifies other software without disclosure)
- Adds AOL Deskbar to the user’s taskbar (Modifies other software without disclosure)
- Updates software automatically (Deceptive installation)
- Fails to uninstall software completely (Unacceptable unistallation)
Pretty soon AOL will have to bribe PC manufacturers to permanently install their software by integrating a chip into the computer. Supposedly AOL has acknowledged that there is a “design flaw” in the uninstaller…obviously if it doesn’t uninstall! They make it sound like they didn’t know it did that.
Do you feel lucky? Then download AOL 9 and maybe you won’t have any problems. 
News Source: PC World
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Tags: Software
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Not even mentioning the AOL service sucks. From install to use to cancellation.
It sounds like you are talking from experience. Most people have probably tried AOL at one time or another because they have been so popular. Which is funny because if they had better software and service to retain their customers then maybe they wouldn’t be heading for a landslide.
I used AOL once in my life. it was so long ago that I have no clue what version it was. However, I can say that the WWW was in it’s very early stages.
AOL was my first experience with an online service other than the old BBS’s (of which I ran one). it is where I got my first exposure to the WWW through their “gateway” to it. It did not last long because I learned about the WWW and never went back to a pay service like AOL.
It served it’s purpose for me back then and I can see how it can serve a puprose for some.
This still does not excuse any company from having their software install any other program without letting the customer know up front and having the choice no to install it.
[quote]Adds to “Favorites†in Internet Explorer (Modifies other software without disclosure)[/quote]Some other (old) programs do that too (take First Page 2000 for example). Although this can be annoying, I don’t consider this to be a reason to call it badware.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that AOL 9 doesn’t suck. I never tried it because I live outside the USA, but I never will after reading this. I prefer my own browser, which doesn’t install all this additional c**p on your PC without any notification.
I’ve always hated AOL for its software, and for a number of reasons. Firstly we have the fact that it installs a multitude of services, dialers and processes. Secondly because it is confusing as to what each of those processes, services and dialers do, meaning even a PC expert isn’t sure what to delete.
Then we have the fact that unless a router is being used to connect to the net it makes it difficult to use any other browser because you have to load AOL to connect first. This same thing crops up when you consider that they won’t be able to use their own Email client, instant messenger or even games without having the POS open. If you have AOL broadband, put it through a router and never touch your poor PC with that CD. If you have dial-up then I laugh at you anyway
pdedecker: Yeah, you’re right that other software does that but it looks like StopBadware.org only analyzes a few programs that happen to be really bad, like Kazaa. Then they go through with a fine-tooth comb to pick out everything that it installs without notifying the user.
That’s for sure! Cancellation is a major pain. I spent a couple hours one day trying to cancel my ‘free trial’. First person I got was in India and extended my free trial for another month. After repeating ‘I just want to cancel’ several time I made the mistake of raising my voice and was disconnected. Called back got a girl in Tucson who was so hyper she was driving me crazy.
Finally, I got a confirmation letter in the mail from AOL with a form on the back to complete if I wanted to cancel my service. I did that and FAXED it over to them. A couple weeks later got another letter confirming the cancellation, but also had a ‘reconsideration offer’ if I wanted to come back.
Never again will I sign-up for their ‘free trails’.