Computers/Internet

Saying NO to Earthlink's Total Access 2003

According to this column by Robert X. Cringley, Earthlink promises that their new Total Access software will stop pop-up ads and spam. Unfortunately, the ads are replaced by ads from Earthlink and installing the software grants rights for Earthlink to install ANY software on your computer at ANY time in the future.

As a rule, I don't recommend installing the software provided by your Internet Service Provider. Both Windows and Macintosh come with everything necessary to get started on the Internet and additional software can be easily downloaded.

I guess the rule to remember now is, beware of ISP's bearing gifts.