One of the most pervasive pieces of software in cyberspace -- America Online's proprietary client -- gets a major makeover this week that should please its core, mainstream audience of families with young children. With an assortment of unbundled software and other offerings, the introduction of AOL 9.0 Optimized should help stanch the flow of AOL subscribers, who are already leery of the havoc of changing e-mail addresses, to rival access providers.

Where the new software package falls short is in AOL's other stated goal of positioning the company for broadband. If you've already got DSL or a cable modem through another provider, as well as e-mail and other core tools, there just aren't many compelling reasons either to stay with or switch back to AOL. The company, a unit of the gigantic AOL Time Warner media combine, is touting AOL 9.0 as the most dramatic upgrade of its software and service ever. And the changes do seem to fall in line with the company's goal, as stated in a 28-page promotional booklet released to the press along with an advance version of the client, of providing "an Internet experience that is safer, more secure, effortless and makes it fun to be online."