AOL users: you may be aware that AOL recently discontinued free access with the traditional AOL client. The only way to access mail for free is to access it using a web browser and going to aol.com. To continue using the client, you must upgrade to AOL Desktop Gold and pay a low monthly fee.
However, AOL has now released AOL Shield (free) which is a "optimized browser for users on dial-up internet connections and/or older operating systems. AOL Shield is optimized for older operating systems like Windows XP and Windows Vista. It also has features that enable it to run on computers with a dial-up internet connection."
For more information or to download, see this page: AOL Shield