No no... Just be a good little ISP and don't put your paws on me!

Anyone who has used Earthlink software should be aware of how intrusive it is.
Possibly all that spam they deliver is eclipsing their own?
I received this message twice today.
It goes on to explain how to install their Total-(Non)Access software....or else...!!!

Quote:

---

Dear EarthLink Subscriber,

We're improving our network security as part of our ongoing
efforts to fight spam -- so you can enjoy a hassle-free Internet
experience.

We're committed to offering the highest level of protection
against online nuisances and security threats. This upgrade will
help us keep spammers from using our network to send you junk
email.

As a result of our security upgrade, you must update your email
settings to continue sending email on our network.

**************************
UPDATE YOUR EMAIL SETTINGS
**************************

---

The fact is, it's their supervision, interference, and spam that causes hassles.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have any...

If you can't switch ISP's then you are probably stuck with the upgrade.Orrrr, switch to Gmail.

Quote:

---

Anyone who has used Earthlink software

---

Before switching to Comcast cable, I was with earthlink dial-up for 8 years.
Always had good connections but I never installed that garbage from the cd. I just called 'em up on the phone for the settings I needed and manually plugged 'em in. That was before Earthlink"Accelerator" was available though. Might need the cd for that, I don't know.
They always did change my e-mail settings around though.
I'd never get an advanced message or warning either.
It would be alright for a year or so, then bam, no e-mail, improper settings.
I'd have to call 'em up and say "what changed this time?" :)
Other then that, they were pretty good.

Agreed, I've used Earthlink cable for yrs now and they've been terrific. I just refused to install any of their software. Just hook me into the net, I'll take it from there.

Thanks for the comments, and the tip on GMAIL
I'm really glad nobody stepped in to say what such good service they are providing for those who don't know any better.
Their ulterior motive in all this is far remote of their concerns for anyone's computer.
But, it's a good way for them to pass themselves off as heroes.
I'm not confined to using their services, but since they originally pushed their package as being the BURGER KING of Internet providers (WE DO THINGS YOUR WAY!), they seem to have forgotten all of that as of late.
I used their Earthlink 5 software because it got me connected quickly and without need of concern.
That's where it stopped.
They wanted more control, and so introduced Total Access.
The first version wasn't a problem.
The second version however, has given them undue control of the Internet experience, and places thousands of unnecessary entries into the registry that all lead back to Earthlink.
It is not a good choice anymore for those who can tend to their own security without the need of supervision, and who above all, do not wish to be counted as a statistic.
They certainly have my permission to not deliver spam to my email account.
I really don't know why doing that needs to interfere with my sending a couple of email messages every week.

Well speaking for myself, any ISP that requires you to use THEIR software, and I do mean ANY of their software, is one that won't be seeing me. With my cable account, I was connected the moment I plugged in the modem with no additional adjustments or software required.

Hi JPNYC, thanks for your comments.
I disconnected the cable in 1975, and have never missed any of it.
I have connected computers to cable systems.
Unfortunately the high costs far outweigh those of a simple Dial-Up connection, without the need of any software.
If Earthlink goes through with their threats, I'll likely lose my email priveleges. And that will last until it becomes advantageous for them to drop all accounts that don't use their software. As is, it is very doubtful I'll be continuing with anything Earthlink has to offer.
I really do appreciate competition in the business world.
The ultimate goal of course, is that the currently very high connection costs are eventually reduced while the methods of connection and services improve.

There are ways of offsetting the cost. For instance, my cable bill is $42 a month ($41.95), but since I make my phone calls now over that cable service (using a software phone dialer) for $4 a month, I dropped my phone bill by nearly $50 a month. So actually I'm saving money over a 10-20 dollar dialup connection, plus a $70 phone bill.

The various packages are designed for the working families that can justify the costs, and can meld business expenses with entertainment expenses.
I consider an Internet connection as a good alternative, but also not a necessity, and certainly not worth having at over an expense of $20 a month, phone bill and connection services combined.
With even less connection time available on a daily basis, the justification for such expenses is even further reduced.

JPNYC--What is the "software phone dialer
for $4 a month" you are using with cable?

iconnecthere.com. It's more like $5 a month now (just went up) for 400 minutes, but you can call anywhere in the continental US and Canada with those 400 minutes for the flat fee of $5. Europe costs more, but still way better than any phone plan I know of. I think it's 5 cents a min to the UK, or something very close to that.

You DL their software dialer for free, but it's not some invasive spyware laden thing that has baggage with it. I'm very careful about that. It's just a software dialer for their system and nothing more.

You used to be able to dial in via MSN msgr, but MS did away with that feature.

JPNYC--Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, the price seems to now be $16 for 800 minutes per month for newcomers.
http://iconnecthere.com/
Look a lot like Vonage, but cheaper.
I use Skype--about $13 for 10 hours good for six months (or free to other Skype users). But you do not use your regular phone, but rather a mike (and ideally headphone) direct to the PC.

No, that's with a hardware phone. They have the service vonage has also, with a hardware phone, but the software one is cheaper.

Think your url is missing something Jim. ;)

http://www.iconnecthere.com/

VoIP has it's place, but I need to be mobile 9 months of the year.
I scrapped my home phones and had the service shut off.
Cable internet and cells worked out to be the same price as dial-up and a regular land line. I can be reached anywere, anytime with a cell.
VoIP would just be an added expense.
Btw, no problem with Jim's link here Ridge. :)

That's interesting,,I got a 'page can't be found' blank until I typed in the 'www'. But now it works!? oh well,,now we have 2 links...:p

By the bye, I'm looking into the iConnect program at this moment. Sure looks better than what I get from Qwest price wise for a simple,low long distance user like myself. Don't use cell, just a regular home phone. Any opinions?

Just whAt I've already said. The 16 dollar price is for a hardwired phone, the pc to phone is what I use, and those plans start around $5 for 400 min. Then there's like a $12 for 1000 minutes which includes a certain % of overseas calls I think.

Thanks JPNYC,,guess I didn't word it quite right. Am just looking for opinions from others who may use this service and whether they are satisfied with what they get compared to a standard land line...

(Sorry oldhermit,don't mean to hijack your thread here)

Here a link to the PC to phone rates;

http://www.iconnecthere.com/nonmembe...gnup/rates.asp

Not to worry.
Talk is good, and this thread is collecting lots of comments and info about the internet and new services.
Talk, talk, talk away...

JPNYC--Darned if I can find the page which tells me how to get the software version. when I go here
http://www.iconnecthere.com/nonmembe...hone/index.htm
I get told I can phone for 1.1 cents per minute, but when I click on Learn More, the rate jumps to 2.9 cents a minute. And nowhere do I find a download or offer to join up.

Ridgerunr--Your link and mine seem to reach the same page.

Well the website's changed since I started using it (2 yrs ago or so) but I'm figuring that once you decide on a plan and register, the link is in the members area for the download. The pay as you go prices are higher than the flat rate ones. Flat rate price is cheaper, like 1.1 or 1.2 cents a minute.

Well,,so far the only downside I can see, is if the power goes out your sunk(of course). And no access to 911 calls. The latter could be a problem for the elderly if an emergency occurs...

That's why I keep my landline, for incoming calls. I only use this service to call out, but of course in an emergency, I still have the landline. But it's brought my phone bill down more than enough to cover the cost of cable + this service, and I can call anywhere in the US for the same price as the next block.`

That bring up a question. If you subscribe to the service how do you receive calls-PC or phone?

If you get the hardware phone (more $), you receive calls like any other phone. With the software phone, I think calls can be received real time, or go into a voicemail if you're not online. I'm not really sure since I never activated that feature. I strictly use it for outgoing calls.

After checking out GMail, it looks like I'll need an INVITE.
If any of the Mods has an extra one available, possibly you can send me one to my registered VirtualDr email address.
If an invite can't be sent to me, any suggestions?
I would rather not send my email address out.

oldhermit--For you to receive a Gmail "invitation", a current user must send your name and email address to Gmail. Gmail then sends you the actual invitation.
If you want to PM me your name and email address I will be happy to pass it on to Gmail.

Just a follow-up post now that EKlink has quit sending me threats.
So far there has been no action, so apparently it is just their way of saying if you don't want spam then use their provisions.
Well, I never asked, and have never had a problem with it.
Still don't know what initiated their sudden interest, but guess it doesn't matter now.
It's nice not receiving their spam anymore.