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AOL Settles Class Action Suit Over Client Software
An anonymous reader sent in news that AOL is settling a class action suit over their AOL 5.0 software, which usurped people's dial-up networking settings when installed. There's a website for the suit and a
news article about the settlement. Of course, you have to admit you use AOL.
Just claim it is the only ISP you can get in your area, then its OK.
Yes, the insurance company is probably the one who had to shell out the money.
But that's not the point, the effect is still there. More importantly the insurance company will likely have to raise their rates in order to support the payment - effectively costing the companies who carry this kind of insurance more. This translates to the right general effect, although admittedly indirectly.
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They said in the article that the maximum payoff was $250, so don't worry about the $1000 that you're getting ready to poke yourself in the eye about...
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I work at a ISP as a Tech support rep, the isp I work for is a 56k provider, any one that has Windows 95, 98 or ME, will have problems with AOL software 5 and version 4. This is what you do to fix it: 1. R&R Dial up Networking (DUN) Say no to version conflicts (in the control panel go to add remove programs) 2. R&R TCPIP and remove all AOL clients installed in your "Network" in the control panel. Make sure when you are done you have Client For Microsoft Networks, Dial Up Adapter and TCPIP. I normally reinstall everything But Dial Up adapter. Save and it will ask you for your windows cd or cabs, supply them and MAKE SURE YOU SAY "NO" to all version conflicts. It will ask to reboot say "No" 3. GO into msconfig and remove AOL from the startup of your computer!! Press yes and reboot! Now you should be all set! No more curruption. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO CLEAN YOUR SYSTEM! And if this doesnt work you have alot of registry hacks to do... P.S. DO NOT OPEN AOL AGAIN or it will recurrupt your system! :)
keanmarine.com
True, the lawyers do make a killing, but don't forget that the class representative must front all of the costs associated with notifying members of a Rule 23(b)(3) class of the suit and (proposed) settlement. Of course, few class representatives can afford to notify hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of people, so this cost is usually paid by the class representative's lawyer. Thus, a large part of the award that goes to the lawyer is compensatory in nature.
But anyway, if you don't like the terms of the settlement there's a simple option -- opt out and sue on your own.