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There is only one internet consumer that AOL doesn't have a
monopoly on - America's schools.
Well, not anymore. AOL will be soon releasing a new version of
their software specifically for schools called AOL@school. As one
of AOL's "valued" beta testers, I was able to get ahold of a
prerelease version of this software.
After downloading the 2-point-something megabyte file, I started
the program, and boy was I shocked. AOL@school was pretty much
nothing but a slimmed down version of AOL targeted at schools.
This program's interface looks quite similar to AOL 4.0 and 5.0,
however in a much more "kid safe" way. There is no way to send or
receive instant messages, no way to go into anything but
AOL@school's predetermined keywords, no profiles, no internet, just
learning.
AOL@school is pretty much just a filtered internet portal. In
fact, you can't even dial into the Net with it! You need an
existing TCP/IP service to get on. Once you are on, you can visit a
variety of AOL@school's learning based web pages and keywords (and
nothing else).
Also, you can send limited emails. Sending regular plain text
emails is allowed; however, embedded pictures are blocked by this
program. Also, the filing cabinet feature is nonexistent in this
version.
Usually, I don't like to give bad reviews. However, this program
isn't really worth it. A price hasn't been determined yet, but it
seems like schools would be much better off with a plain TCP/IP
connection and some subscriptions to learning based Internet
services.
However, in the end, I believe that AOL@school could have some
potential if it is improved before its release to the public. Maybe
some better services for kids (like homework help and access to
more computerized books than are already available).
Recent Mac Happens Columns
MP3 Forever!, 6/26/00. Closing down
Napster will not help already rich artists, but may prevent new
ones from being discovered.
Internet radio, 6/9/00. Internet
radio solves problems with poor radio reception, but also lets you
listen to radio from around the world.
Best 15" MacBook Pro Deals, 08.19.
Used 1.83 GHz Core Duo, $999; 2.16, $1,125; new, 2.2, $1,450 after rebate; refurb 2.4, $1,649; 2.5, $1,999; 2.6, $2,299; rebates on new.
Best Mac OS X 10.0-10.3 Deals, 08.19.
Mac OS X 10.0.3, $30; 10.1, $20; 10.2, $60; 10.3 CD, $70; DVD, $90; 10.1 Server, unlimited users, $72; 10.3 Server, unlimited, $130.
List of the Day: Mac Pro List is for those using a Mac Pro.
August 20 in LEM history: 98: Unplanned obsolescence - 99: Open Link Policy - 01: Video editing on low end Macs - Picking a PCI video card - 02: iTunes 3 review - 04: Bad RAM can crash your Mac - Dual-core G4s coming - 07: White iBooks still a good bet? - VMware Fusion good for fusing Windows with OS X - Restoring PowerBook batteries
Snow Leopard, Windows 7, Midori, and the End of Windows, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 08.18.
A look at some of the technologies planned for Mac OS X 10.6, Windows 7, and Midori, Microsoft's future OS that could be the end of Windows.
Using Low End Macs for Internet Radio, Gordon R. Brown, My Turn, 08.18.
When the local public radio station moved classical music to HD radio, it was time to find another way to listen. An old iMac with iTunes solved the problem.
REALbasic Growing to Include Cocoa, Mobile, and Web Development, Rick Lawson, Pioneers in Mac Development, 08.18.
REALbasic is a cross platform development tool for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The company is working on expanding that to the Web, mobile devices, and the Mac's Cocoa.
iPod 'Missing Manual' Grows but Drops Coverage of Older iPods, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 08.18.
The 6th edition of iPod: The Missing Manual has extensive coverage of all the current iPod models, but at the cost of dropping coverage of all earlier models.
Best Mac mini Deals, 08.18.
Used 1.25 GHz G4 SD, $549; 1.42 Combo, $409; new 1.83 Core2 Combo, $569 after rebate; 2.0 SD, $769 after rebate.
Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, 08.18.
Used 867 MHz Combo, no APX, $490; 1 GHz SuperDrive, $625; 1.33 GHz, $611; 1.5 GHz SD w/o APX, $660; w/APX, $675.
Best Apple TV Deals, 08.18.
Refurb 40 GB Apple TV, $199; new, $224; refurb 160 GB, $279; new, $322 - prices include free ground shipping.
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