I am connected to the internet through aol but my internet explorer, messengers, etc. are not picking up any kind of connection! anybody got any idea of what is going on?

AOL is not the internet, AOL is a proxy server. You connect to AOL\'s computers, which are connected to the internet. They can then filter out anything that they don\'t want you to see. When connected to AOL, you can only use the AOL browser. AOL is freakin evil, I would stay away from them if I were you. I would get cable internet if possible, however if not, you can usually get internet service through your local phone company, there may be better options, I don\'t know, someone give him a better ISP to use.

[Edited on 30-3-2005 by the_dreamer36]