puzzled about broadband connection

[Eric_Norman]

I use AOL to connect to the internet via broadband. THis has worked fine.

I recently changed out the AOL adsl modem so that i could connect via tcp/ip and get 2 pc's connected. This uses a netgear box.

I have found that i can connect to the internet and use it withut connecting to aol first!!!

How does this work? i thougt i need to be connected to a ISP to get access ?

Any thought ?

 

[cookie]

the "netgear box" is a router i imagine, which can connect to t'internet (via your ISP) on it's own. if you then connect a pc to it by ethernet, that pc will be able to access the internet immediately as well.

 

[centaur]

Despite what you think, this router does connect to AOL, using your username and password, which would have been set up on installation.
Fortunately, it enables you NOT to have to use AOL software to surf !

 

[Eric_Norman]

yes the netgear box is a router

and yes i did have to enter my aol username password when set up

so it all makes some sense.

Thanks for your help guys.

It does i suppose mean i dont have to startup AOL when i login which I do automatically now and it takes a while to load!!