AOL has an option called COMPRESSED GRAPHICS that is on by default when you first install AOL. To view all websites and images in the best quality, it is best advised to turn this option off.

For AOL 4.0 and 5.0:

• Click on the MY AOL button on top menu, then click on:

• Preferences -> WWW -> Web Graphics.

• Uncheck the box marked "Use Compressed Graphics"

• Click the "OK" button and you're ready to experience our website!

For a better Internet navigating experience, it is advisable to download the current version Internet Explorer free. This browser can be used in complement with AOL. They are more stable and faster than the clunky built-in AOL browser.

AOL GRAPHICS FAQ

A. America Online utilizes graphics compression software that speeds up the delivery of web pages to it's members by compressing images and various multimedia applications. Images that are BMP, GIF or JPG are converted into the proprietary Johnson-Grace image format .ART. All AOL members have the option of deselecting "Used Compressed Graphics" in their Web Preferences.  See above instructions on how to uncompress AOL graphics.

Q. OK, I have deselected "Use Compressed Graphics" in my WWW preferences and the images still look the same! What am I doing wrong?

A. This is a Caching issue. In your WWW preferences you can set your history to "0" pages and clear the History. You must also delete the files in your Temporary Internet Files folder.

Holding down the "Control" key on your keyboard and simultaneously mouse-clicking on the Browser Reload icon while the browser window is active will also clear your proxy cache and display the latest data from the website.