I just bought a laptop installed with Windows Vista and downloaded AOL 9.1.When browsing with Vista’s Internet Explorer, I enjoy the ability to zoom in on Web pages with the zoom function found in the lower right hand corner of my screen. However, when I use the AOL 9.1 browser, that zoom function is missing from the screen corner. Where is it on AOL 9.1? How do I access it?
This was a bit tricky to figure out as I tried in vain to download and install AOL 9.1 on my computer. It simply wouldn’t cooperate. However, I’m not one to give up so quickly. I explored AOL’s help files on line and found out the answer.
Web Browser Features
First, AOL 9.1 and Internet Explorer are two distinct Web browsers made by two different entities: AOL and Microsoft. The zoom feature that you described in Internet Explorer is indeed helpful. In fact, I used it when researching this problem for you by zooming in on screenshots of AOL 9.1 in search of a similar tool. However, because they are different browsers, it makes sense that each browser would have its own set of features. I worried that perhaps AOL 9.1 might lack a zoom utility.
AOL Desktop’s Power Browsing and Page Display Features
Note: the instructions that I found were for AOL’s Desktop Browser version 10.1, so the steps or wording may be a little different for version 9.1.
Fortunately, it looks as though my fears may be unfounded. I found out that AOL’s Desktop browser has a “Power Browsing” feature. Within the Power Browsing feature are options for viewing a specific Web page - including zooming in and out of the page.
In order to access the Power Browsing tools, go to a Web page using the AOL browser. Now, right-click somewhere within the Web page. A sub-menu should appear listing Power Browsing as a choice. If not, another way to access this feature is via the Tools menu of the browser. Click Tools > Power Browsing. Now, you should see a list of options. Choose Page Display. Now choose either Zoom Page In or Zoom Page Out depending on your preferences.
Windows Display Options
Another option that is available to you is using Windows Vista’s zooming utilities. Go to the Control Panel and click on the Ease of Access Center. Click on Start Magnifier. This will start a magnifying glass-like feature that you can use when browsing the Web, reading e-mail, working with documents, and so on. A rectangular bar will appear at the top of your screen, magnifying the immediate area surrounding your cursor. It takes a bit of getting used to, but is helpful for zooming in and magnifying certain areas of the computer screen. You can adjust the Magnifier’s settings by double-clicking its icon in the Taskbar. For instance, you can change its docking position, scaling, magnification level, and tracking options.
