Multiple ways to read your emails

There are many ways to access your AOL, AIM, or My eAddress mail account (let’s call them all AOL Mail for the purpose of this article). The most commonly known ways are via the web browser and the installed program (aka client).


But did you also know that there are a total of 8 ways to access the same mail account? In other words, the look-and-feel may be different depending on which method you use, but the same emails will be there (dependent on features). The complete list of the various ways is below, with links to details on how to access them. I recommend bookmarking the web sites below for easy access. You can also create a “shortcut” on your Windows desktop, but we’ll cover that in a separate article.

1) Web browsers

a. Method 1a) The latest full-featured version of the Web Suite can be used by entering into your browser’s URL address: mail.aol.com or mail.aim.com.

b. Method 1b) The older version (fewer features than the one above, but doesn’t require as much “horse power” from your system) can be used at: webmail1.webmail.aol.com.

2) AOL installed program (aka client). The latest beta version that gives you a choice of an Inbox or the AOL New/Old Mail folders is now available.

3) Almost any 3rd party email program can be used with your AOL Mail account, such as Outlook Express, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, etc. since AOL offers both IMAP and POP3 for free. I recommend IMAP if you want folders too. Setup instructions are here.

4) Any email-capable cell phone

a. Method 4a) use your cell phone’s browser to go to a new upcoming mobile mail service (stay tuned for more info soon!)

b. Method 4b) many phones have an email program built into them. If yours does, use the server names here to read your emails while on-the-go. iPhone specific info is here.

5) Coming soon: a new “lite” version of the Web Suite, called Web Suite Basic. I’m really looking forward to this one because it’s intended for those who’ve been experiencing very slow performance with older computers, on dialup connections, or anyone who just wants email without all the “bells and whistles” of the full Web Suite experience. Note: no Calendar for now in the Web Suite Basic.

6) Classic web mail, which is one of the first (translation = dated/unsupported) web mail product but it still works for now. Note: this works only with AOL-branded accounts. Classic.webmail.aol.com.

Remember to bookmark your favorite ones so that they’re at your fingertips. Enjoy accessing your emails in the many ways that are possible.

‘Til next time,

Tae Kang
“The Mail Blog Guy”
(coming soon: http://Mailblog.aol.com)
Keyword: mail blog


Tags: Multiple ways, read, emails