About Web Suite Standard and Basic:
If you are using the soon-to-be-discontinued “webmail1.webmail.aol.com” version of the Web Suite, you have two alternatives to use from now on: Basic and Standard versions. The Basic version was created for those with slower connection speeds and older systems that may not have enough computing “horse power” to be used with the Standard version.
The Standard version is designed for use with modern computers (with current OS, browsers, and full AJAX support) that have a fast, broadband internet connection. As long as your computer is compatible with both versions, you can switch back-and-forth between the two at any time by using the link at the very bottom of the screen after logging in.
As long as your computer is compatible, you can use the following web addresses to go directly to either version. If your computer does not meet all the system requirements, the Basic version will be the only option. If you experience any difficulty logging into either one, make sure to clear your browser’s cache AND cookies files.
Web Suite Standard - http://mail.aol.com
Web Suite Basic - http://basic.mail.aol.com
Written by guest blogger Rose, Product Manager, AOL Web Suite
Hi Mail Blog readers!
I’m guest blogging for Tae today to let you know about an exciting new offering from AOL Mail. For the past few months, my team and I have been working on something called Web Suite Basic. As you may remember, Tae had previously mentioned an upcoming lightweight web mail in this entry.
So, what is Web Suite Basic?
Web Suite Basic is a web-based mail and address book product that is ideal for narrow band, legacy systems, and accessibility. It is a lightweight application that, in technical jargon, uses minimal DHTML and JavaScript (is easier for older computers to handle). We also stripped down the “bells and whistles” so it’s optimized for speed. Web Suite Basic is also screen reader friendly. We have included basic tabbing and keyboard controls for ease of use. Best of all, it looks and feels like Web Suite Standard, to provide you (our loyal users) a seamless experience!
Is Web Suite Basic for you?
- If you are on a dialup connection (56k, 128k, etc)…
- If you are using an older operating system (Windows 98, Windows 2000, Mac OS 10.4.9) or browser (Internet Explorer 5.5, Firefox 1.0, Safari 1.3, 2.0.1-3.) …
- If you are an accessibility user or use a screen reader…
- If you want a faster e-mail experience without needing access to your calendar, pictures or AIM…
Then Web Suite Basic is for you! The product will be available on the Beta site starting later this week. Stay tuned and I’m sure Tae will let you know when the big day comes. You can also subscribe to the Web Mail Beta Alert, and the beta team will notify you of this and other Web Mail beta events (via email)." :-)
Hope you enjoy Web Suite Basic. Let us know what you think by leaving comments here after you’ve had a chance to test drive it.
PS. If you want to continue using great features such as AOL Calendar, AIM Panel, AOL Pictures or linked screen name, you’ll be able to keep using our Standard version!
Rose
UPDATE: In order to make the Basic version as fast as possible, we had to defer a couple of items, such as the "address auto-complete in the To: field" and the "Linked Screen Names" features for now. We're looking into how we may be able to add those features soon to this new product, while keeping it still faster than the Standard version. Stay tuned.
Tags: Standard, Basic, differences, Barbados, phase-out
Monday, August 13, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Check out the NEW My eAddress
Written by guest blogger Teya, Product Management, AOL Mail Team
Have you checked out the all-new My eAddress? AOL made it even easier for you to express yourself with a personalized email address. I like that you get to choose an email domain (the part after the @ sign) that suits your personality, with the same ease as signing up for AOL's free email (takes around 1 min.). Oh and don’t worry, it still won’t cost you a penny!
AOL has quite a few domain name choices to pick from—30 of them in fact. Some of my personal favorites are @luckymail.com, @writesoon.com, @totalfoodnut.com and @when.com. I can just imagine some of the creative email addresses that will ensue. Take a look at the new page and tell us some of your favorites. Let us know what you think. Here is a screen shot showing some of the new domain names you can choose:
Here’s how to get your own free personalized email address:
1) Go to http://domains.aol.com.
2) Click on one of the 30 popular domain names you want. They’re all free.
3) Register for the email address just like you would for AOL’s free email. Again, it only takes around a minute to get one.
That’s it! To use your new email account, you log in just like before (http://mail.aol.com). Just remember to enter your entire email address as the Screen Name, even the part after the @ sign. Example: chattingchuck@luckymail.com as the screen name. You can start sending and receiving email with your new personalized email address right away.
Keep checking http://domains.aol.com to discover cool new email domains.
Teya
Have you checked out the all-new My eAddress? AOL made it even easier for you to express yourself with a personalized email address. I like that you get to choose an email domain (the part after the @ sign) that suits your personality, with the same ease as signing up for AOL's free email (takes around 1 min.). Oh and don’t worry, it still won’t cost you a penny!
AOL has quite a few domain name choices to pick from—30 of them in fact. Some of my personal favorites are @luckymail.com, @writesoon.com, @totalfoodnut.com and @when.com. I can just imagine some of the creative email addresses that will ensue. Take a look at the new page and tell us some of your favorites. Let us know what you think. Here is a screen shot showing some of the new domain names you can choose:
Here’s how to get your own free personalized email address:
1) Go to http://domains.aol.com.
2) Click on one of the 30 popular domain names you want. They’re all free.
3) Register for the email address just like you would for AOL’s free email. Again, it only takes around a minute to get one.
That’s it! To use your new email account, you log in just like before (http://mail.aol.com). Just remember to enter your entire email address as the Screen Name, even the part after the @ sign. Example: chattingchuck@luckymail.com as the screen name. You can start sending and receiving email with your new personalized email address right away.
Keep checking http://domains.aol.com to discover cool new email domains.
Teya
Thursday, August 2, 2007
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
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
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Emails with color?
Which color do you prefer?
Below are six screen shots of the top-left corner of the Web Suite in different colors. Which of them would you prefer to read your emails in?
I like a few of them, but the second one (blue) is my preference. Which one is yours? The first one? Second or third one?... Maybe a different one for each day of the week? :-) Want the ability to choose yourself? That's what we're planning on actually.
Tell me which one you like the best by leaving me a comment below. Don't tell anyone I showed you this exclusive "preview"--these pictures haven't been officially disclosed anywhere yet. :-) And thanks for choosing AOL.
PS: I’ve been out of the office for the past 5 days and just got back online, so I’ll be replying to comments and direct emails soon. Thanks for being patient.
Tae
“The AOL Mail Blog Guy”
Tags: AOL Web Mail Web Suite Skins Colors
Below are six screen shots of the top-left corner of the Web Suite in different colors. Which of them would you prefer to read your emails in?
I like a few of them, but the second one (blue) is my preference. Which one is yours? The first one? Second or third one?... Maybe a different one for each day of the week? :-) Want the ability to choose yourself? That's what we're planning on actually.
Tell me which one you like the best by leaving me a comment below. Don't tell anyone I showed you this exclusive "preview"--these pictures haven't been officially disclosed anywhere yet. :-) And thanks for choosing AOL.
PS: I’ve been out of the office for the past 5 days and just got back online, so I’ll be replying to comments and direct emails soon. Thanks for being patient.
Tae
“The AOL Mail Blog Guy”
Tags: AOL Web Mail Web Suite Skins Colors
Thursday, July 19, 2007
How to email faster & easier
Hi,
There are many, many new keyboard short cuts in the Web Suite that are handy, but there are 5 that every Web Suite user should know about. These will not only help you save calories, but also help your index finger and mouse last longer. :-) Seriously, they help you read, compose, and send email faster, which are the repetitive things we do often.
Notes: Your mileage may vary depending on which browser you use; these may work in other browsers, but they are intended for Internet Explorer 6/7 and Firefox. Mac users, should substitute the Apple key for the Ctrl key below.
To Write an email quicker while in the Inbox or any folder:
Just press Alt-W, which is short for Write email. (while holding down the Alt key, press the letter W)
To Reply to an email quicker while reading an email:
Just press the R key by itself (short for Reply). Guess what it is to reply to All? The A key of course--see how logical we made it?
To Forward an email quicker while reading it:
Just press the F key by itself (short for Forward of course).
To mark an email as New:
Just press the N key by itself (remember, emails marked “Keep as New” are never auto-deleted in AOL-branded accounts; AIM-branded accounts keep emails forever without any action).
And my favorite, to Send the email quicker:
Press Ctrl-Enter (while holding down the Ctrl key, press the Enter key)
There are another 50+ short cuts available in the Web Suite. If you want to see the full list of them, send me an email (websuiteblog at aol dot com). The list is too long to post here.
After you try these keyboard short cuts for a few days, you’ll love them. Enjoy managing your emails a bit faster.
Tae
“The AOL Mail Blog Guy”
Tags: keyboad, shortcuts
There are many, many new keyboard short cuts in the Web Suite that are handy, but there are 5 that every Web Suite user should know about. These will not only help you save calories, but also help your index finger and mouse last longer. :-) Seriously, they help you read, compose, and send email faster, which are the repetitive things we do often.
Notes: Your mileage may vary depending on which browser you use; these may work in other browsers, but they are intended for Internet Explorer 6/7 and Firefox. Mac users, should substitute the Apple key for the Ctrl key below.
To Write an email quicker while in the Inbox or any folder:
Just press Alt-W, which is short for Write email. (while holding down the Alt key, press the letter W)
To Reply to an email quicker while reading an email:
Just press the R key by itself (short for Reply). Guess what it is to reply to All? The A key of course--see how logical we made it?
To Forward an email quicker while reading it:
Just press the F key by itself (short for Forward of course).
To mark an email as New:
Just press the N key by itself (remember, emails marked “Keep as New” are never auto-deleted in AOL-branded accounts; AIM-branded accounts keep emails forever without any action).
And my favorite, to Send the email quicker:
Press Ctrl-Enter (while holding down the Ctrl key, press the Enter key)
There are another 50+ short cuts available in the Web Suite. If you want to see the full list of them, send me an email (websuiteblog at aol dot com). The list is too long to post here.
After you try these keyboard short cuts for a few days, you’ll love them. Enjoy managing your emails a bit faster.
Tae
“The AOL Mail Blog Guy”
Tags: keyboad, shortcuts
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Panels, Panels, and more Panels
Written by guest blogger Jeremy, Product Manager, Mail Business Operations
What is a Panel you may ask. A Web Suite Panel is a “drawer-like” (can be opened or closed) portion of the Web Suite on the right side of the screen. The Panel area contains various content that makes the Web Suite even more handy (think Swiss Army Knife). Currently there are the People, Events, TMZ, and To Do Panels but there are more coming soon. As Tae has announced before here, one of the newer Panels is the AIM Panel that’s being beta tested now; the next release will add even more functionality to that AIM Panel.
So what other new Panels will be coming in the future? Many of you have asked for an easier way to access other services, so we’re adding a new Directory Panel. This panel will easily take you to other great areas, to see TV/movie times, sports news/scores, business news, music, shopping, etc. See the screen shot below for a sample of what’ll be available in the Directory Panel.
If you’re looking for something a little more fun, then you can have the new Quote of the Day Panel shown. This panel will show popular quotes from famous people. If you ever wished Ralph Waldo Emerson sent you an email, you can read off his quote and pretend he wrote it for you.
The Panels area offers a great way to spice up the Web Suite. We are actively creating many more panels that satisfy your different wants and needs. Some of the new upcoming Panels will be: News, Entertainment, Technology, Business, Sports, and Weather to name a few.
Future plans also include creating a way for users to create their own, or import other 3rd party widgets. If there’s a particular Panel idea you’d like to see, or know of a great 3rd party widget you’d like to add, tell us about it. We’re listening. We’ll try our best to base what gets added, on your input.
Thanks and enjoy the great new Panels coming your way (coming within a month or so).
Jeremy
What is a Panel you may ask. A Web Suite Panel is a “drawer-like” (can be opened or closed) portion of the Web Suite on the right side of the screen. The Panel area contains various content that makes the Web Suite even more handy (think Swiss Army Knife). Currently there are the People, Events, TMZ, and To Do Panels but there are more coming soon. As Tae has announced before here, one of the newer Panels is the AIM Panel that’s being beta tested now; the next release will add even more functionality to that AIM Panel.
So what other new Panels will be coming in the future? Many of you have asked for an easier way to access other services, so we’re adding a new Directory Panel. This panel will easily take you to other great areas, to see TV/movie times, sports news/scores, business news, music, shopping, etc. See the screen shot below for a sample of what’ll be available in the Directory Panel.
If you’re looking for something a little more fun, then you can have the new Quote of the Day Panel shown. This panel will show popular quotes from famous people. If you ever wished Ralph Waldo Emerson sent you an email, you can read off his quote and pretend he wrote it for you.
The Panels area offers a great way to spice up the Web Suite. We are actively creating many more panels that satisfy your different wants and needs. Some of the new upcoming Panels will be: News, Entertainment, Technology, Business, Sports, and Weather to name a few.
Future plans also include creating a way for users to create their own, or import other 3rd party widgets. If there’s a particular Panel idea you’d like to see, or know of a great 3rd party widget you’d like to add, tell us about it. We’re listening. We’ll try our best to base what gets added, on your input.
Thanks and enjoy the great new Panels coming your way (coming within a month or so).
Jeremy
Friday, July 13, 2007
New AOL 9.1 Beta available now
The Web Suite and the AOL Program (also known as "installed-client") both access the same email accounts, just through a difference look-and-feel. For those of you who also use the installed AOL Program on Windows, did you know that there’s a new beta version 9.1 with the following changes?
The ability to browse the web without signing on when you have a broadband or third-party dial-up connection.
An Inbox-style mailbox with unlimited storage.
Increased flexibility, with the addition of Express and Customized installation options.
The ability to easily find and add RSS Feeds to your Favorites while browsing.
Increased safety while web browsing with SurfLight™, which automatically warns you of malicious or suspicious websites.
Quick access to the latest News by clicking or hovering over the newly added News icon in the Toolbar.
Details about the new version are in the FAQs.
I’ve been trying out the new beta version and it looks great. Give it a try. You can use both the Web Suite as well as AOL 9.1 and switch back and forth on-the-fly.
Enjoy!
Tae
“The AOL Mail Blog Guy”
The ability to browse the web without signing on when you have a broadband or third-party dial-up connection.
An Inbox-style mailbox with unlimited storage.
Increased flexibility, with the addition of Express and Customized installation options.
The ability to easily find and add RSS Feeds to your Favorites while browsing.
Increased safety while web browsing with SurfLight™, which automatically warns you of malicious or suspicious websites.
Quick access to the latest News by clicking or hovering over the newly added News icon in the Toolbar.
Details about the new version are in the FAQs.
I’ve been trying out the new beta version and it looks great. Give it a try. You can use both the Web Suite as well as AOL 9.1 and switch back and forth on-the-fly.
Enjoy!
Tae
“The AOL Mail Blog Guy”
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