First of all you should know that AOL uses a proprietary browser based on Microsoft's Internet Explorer and drastically, in it's default mode, affects how web pages are viewed. If for whatever reason you feel you must use AOL's browser, for best results on this WebSite, and on ANY website, I suggest you make the following changes to your default AOL preferences. It makes a world of difference to you viewing pleasure!

GRAPHICS COMPRESSION

Ever notice how some graphics seem very choppy or 'banded"? Many graphics files are designed to show a smooth gradient color change, but AOL will take all these graphics files and compress them for faster loading. OK, so it's faster, but the result is a graphics image that SUCKS. If you want to see the WebSite as the designer intended, make these minor changes (and you can always change it back!): (These suggestions are based on AOL 6.0 - slight changes in the menu structure may take place in subsequent versions)

Log on to AOL and click on MY AOL, then PREFERENCES. This is where you can change the default AOL preferences to whatever suits your style. Click on WWW, then the WEBGRAPHICS tab and make sure the USE COMPRESSED GRAPHICS box is unchecked...you do not want AOL to compress graphics files unless you don't object to crappy looking pictures. (If you have a REALLY slow connection you may notice the difference, but likely you won't at all.)

Then close those windows and reboot your computer - the changes will not take effect until you do. Some pages that have already been visited in compressed graphics mode may STILL look crappy even after reboot - that is because those files are already cached in your computer. You can force a download of new graphics files by holding your CONTROL key down while hitting the RELOAD or REFRESH button. You'll see a world of difference.