Earlier this month, Newsbytes reviewed a beta copy of the new client, and found that it "fixed" many of the perceived problems that AOL users had found with previous versions of the software.

For example, all artwork downloads on the user's screen while the user can navigate the area without the art being completely downloaded. AOL's infamous "blue bar" and the "Please wait" while art is downloaded to AOL prompt have gone the way of the 300 bps (bits-per-second) modem with this new client.

AOL's Internet World Wide Web browser is also greatly improved, with graphics compression that AOL claims makes the browser 35 percent faster than the old version. The new browser contains support for HTML (hypertext markup language) 3.0, frames, Netscape extensions, tables, centering, and backgrounds. Java will also be available, when AOL begins the distribution of the newest version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser later this month.

A "winsock.dll" file is also included with the new AOL 3.0 for Windows. This means users can use third-party applications like file transfer protocol, other Web browsers, RealAudio, VDOnet, and other software can be used directly with the AOL service. The Winsock file currently only supports 16-bit applications, meaning any Winsock application designed for Windows 95 won't work with this client. But AOL promises a 32-bit Winsock later this summer for Windows 95 users.

Other improved features, AOL said, include easier navigation of the service via one-button connections, a larger toolbar, and improvements to e-mail which lets users change font style, size, and color within mail documents. Internet hyperlinks can also be embedded in e-mail with the new version. Hyperlinks can also be found in AOL content, Newsbytes notes.

AOL 3.0 for Windows requires at least a 486 IBM compatible running Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, eight megabytes (MB) of RAM, 15 MB of hard drive space, a color monitor capable of displaying 256 colors or more, a 14.4 Kbps (kilobits per second) modem, and a phone line to hook into the modem.

AOL members can obtain the free download at Keyword: Upgrade.

Although this most recent version upgrade is for Windows users, owners of Apple Macintosh machines and computers that run the Mac OS aren't being left behind, AOL officials have said. A new Mac 3.0 version is in the works that will not only match the features of the Windows client, but will contain "superior" e-mail features compared to AOL for Windows 3.0.

(Bob Woods/19960624/Press Contact: Margaret Ryan, America Online, 703-448-8700)