# AOL timer
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [October 17, 2001, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871 "2001-10-17T01:33:57Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@MIKE\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MIKE_P)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2001, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871/1 "2001-10-17T01:33:57Z")
I want to download large programs,but if I stay inactive in aol for more than 20 minutes it kicks me off. I would like to just start the download and leave the computer until its done. Also Its annoying if i’m typing long responses. I searched the archives but,I couldn’t find info for AOL 6.0. Can anyone tell me how to do this on AOL 6.0?
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### Author:  [@scotth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scotth)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2001, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871/2 "2001-10-17T01:42:37Z")
Dump AOL. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
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### Author:  [@JepSnertRF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JepSnertRF)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2001, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871/3 "2001-10-17T01:44:43Z")
I have seen programs out there that are used to keep your AOL account “active” though you may not otherwise be doing anything. For the most part, these things aren’t always legal, but they would come in handy for a situation like yours. I haven’t had the need to try these programs in a long time because my service, Prodigy, will stay online for many hours unless the user cuts off, or the line gets static and disconnects. But, I have used these programs before, they make ones that make clicks, keystrokes, or even that click the “yes, I want to stay online.”
The thing is that I think your ultimate problem is AOL, I would recommend you find a less - intrusive service. Otherwise, try searching for “stay online” or the like. Here is a site you may find useful: [http://www.davecentral.com/projects/stayonline](http://www.davecentral.com/projects/stayonline) .
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### Author:  [@CnoteChris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CnoteChris)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2001, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871/4 "2001-10-17T02:00:54Z")
I don’t use AOL and I never will… 'Nuff said.
But, I did a quick check of CNET and found a program that will periodically send out a ‘Ping’ and keep you connected during idle times (It makes it look like you’re actually doing something when in reality you’re not). As far as I know, it will work with 6.0.
[**Momo’s AOL Anti-Idle**](http://download.cnet.com/downloads/0-10062-100-5234188.html?tag=st.dl.10001-103-1.lst-7-1.5234188)
Again, I can’t say if it works or not because I’ve never used it, but it’s a CNET ‘Pick’ and it seems to come with good reviews.
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### Author:  [@MIKE\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MIKE_P)
#### Post date: [October 17, 2001, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aol-timer/87871/5 "2001-10-17T02:09:55Z")
Thanks Cnote,I tried it and its great.