[X-Newbies] Dialup services

[Steven Rogers]

On Sep 22, 2005, at 3:24 PM, Jane wrote:

> Juno is webmail...it installs an extra Safari into the system and  
> that is the only way you can connect. What a mess it makes of your  
> attachments as well. I've seen it on OS X.

Yeah - that's why I want to get them off AOL. It seemed like the  
"easy" way at first, but the client program gets in the middle of  
everything and really spoils the whole user interface for the novice  
user. It owns every download, image, contact, etc. and its not clear  
to the novice when things are on and off the server. They don't know  
enough of the technical details to manage the creators to stop all that.

> NetZero installs something, you don't want, but if not, you could  
> consider that.

Just having to use their special program to dial up wouldn't be so  
bad, but I wonder if its going to insinuate itself onto the system by  
owning files. Or worse yet, if you have to use their browser and  
email, and get ads?

> Likewiese you should ask PeoplePC if you have to install anything.  
> They are pretty cheap.

Their web site implies its PC only.

> Anyone who forces you to install anything, I would nix....there is  
> no need of it. The install means either it's solely webmail, or  
> they are going to subject you to ads and popups over and above the  
> normal crap you have to endure on the web.
>
> If you can afford it, let them have cable.

Unfortunately, they're out in the boonies - no cable, no DSL. There's  
even a wireless provider in the area called Clearwire, but its outer  
limit is still several miles away.

SR