cochise,
Unfortuantely, AOL does not use pure SMTP and POP3 protocols for email. In essense, it does "hijack" your browswer experience.
However, your friend CAN connect with AOL, then minimize to tray.
IE is then made available for use on the AOL connection.
Since AOL carries the email, even if IE is used, you cannot scan the email anyway.
I did set up my friend's computer to use Avast on an AOL driven system and rely on AOL to use their antivirus and antispam software.
AOL has limited their popups recently to hold on to customers.
Sorry that I don't have more encouraging news for you.
Techie