At the same time Microsoft relaunched MSN, AOL released version 6.0 of its America Online Internet service. I prefer to simply surf the Internet on my own, without a lot of guides and handholding along the way. Thus, I've often found AOL to be somewhat annoying, like a telemarketer who won't take no for an answer. The service also comes with a new media player, in partnership with RealNetworks. Still, activating AOL is a bit like ceding your computer to a foreign power.
Screens pop up everywhere, and it's very cluttered.
If an Internet service needs a how-to book, then there's something wrong here. It's interesting to see how the tables have turned. MSN is starting to see success with its simplicity and its powerful services. AOL is going overboard in an attempt to keep its users in its digital playground instead of turning them loose on the Internet. I'll take the Internet, thanks.