AOL offers a free software trial.

AOL always offers a free internet trial period to entice new members. They mail out CD-ROMs with special codes to give the consumer a chance to download the software and utilize it for a limited number of hours or if the software is downloaded online they offer a 50-day trial period with unlimited hours of access. AOL does not require any credit card information or any commitment from the consumer as long as the account is cancelled prior to the end of the trial period. The consumer will receive the same AOL as members do during their trial period. This includes McAfee Virus Scan and McAfee Firewall to help protect the consumer's PC from corrupt email files, viruses, worms, and hackers. It also includes AOL Messenger, AOL Chat, and AOL Mail. The consumer can create up to seven email addresses on the same account at no extra charge. At the end of the free trial period, the consumer can choose to become a member and pay the monthly fee required for the dial-up program they choose. If anything the consumer will have the opportunity to try something new with no risk.