"Free" Internet access question

cockroachfarm

cockroachfarm

Joined
Jan 6, 2001
Messages
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Occasionally I need to send a quick email to someone - usually while my kids are using our regular dial-up ISP. Thought I might try one of those "free" internet access providers. Tried a couple of the ones still in business and was very disappointed. (stumbled across something called "dotnow.com" that looked pretty good - but they want $9.95 for a "set-up fee" to the "free" service)

Any suggestions or recommendations?
 
Do you mean you'd be hooking up from a separate computer on a separate line, and that's why you'd need a diferent service? Or do you mean you just want a separate account from which to send the mail? There are still plenty of good free mail services if you've already got access, but I have to admit I don' know about the free net access providers themselves.
 
It sounds like you are talking about using more than one computer for your situation.

While not free, if both computers have USB ports, you can construct a simple home network at relatively low cost with a USB network kit.

Or, for more money, you can install network cards and set up a home network. What kind of gadget freak can you claim to be if your home isn't wired for networking? :D

After the network is setup, Windows 98 includes a tool called Internet Connection Sharing. It probably wasn't installed by default, but it's easy to add on. Simply follow the instructions in Windows 98 Help on the topic "Internet Connection Sharing" and you can surf multiple computers on one internet connection. And either computer can still make a solo connection to the internet too.

It's simpler than the freeware that is out there for win95 and older systems.

Phil
 
Originally posted by Razoredj
Do you mean you'd be hooking up from a separate computer on a separate line...
Click to expand...

Exactly, Razor! I'm often working at one residence while my kids have already logged on to the main AOL account from the other residence. So, when I try to log on to send a quick email response/request to a producer, etc., an error box pops up and tells me my account is already in use and knocks me off. That's when I'd like to have a "free" ISP to quickly send an email. I don't need it to browse the web for hours on end. (I have a couple of extra Hotmail accounts for email, but you still need an ISP to get to Hotmail!)
 
Definately go with NetZero, they are the most reliable and have the strongest presence. 40 hours a month for free, and yea..a hell of a lot of banner crap. But it's free...so...
 
Originally posted by phatch
...you can install network cards and set up a home network. What kind of gadget freak can you claim to be if your home isn't wired for networking? :D
Phil
Click to expand...

I know, I know - I'm so ashamed.:(

My son has suggested this route (and we'll do that next month), but that just takes care of the problem while we're in the same house (when it really isn't much of a problem.)
 
Originally posted by Danelle O'Shea
Definately go with NetZero, they are the most reliable and have the strongest presence. 40 hours a month for free, and yea..a hell of a lot of banner crap. But it's free...so...
Click to expand...

I tried NetZero last week but I wasn't impressed with how it worked. Slow as molasses, lots of hang-ups, etc. (the banners don't bother me; someone has to pay the freight!)

Maybe I'll give it another shot. Or, I'll blow the $9.95 on the "dotnow.com" set-up fee and try them.
 
All you need is the modem; you can access an e-mail account without actually going on line.

Juno will set you up with a free e-mail account, and a button to get you online also, if necessary. But the free web access is second-rate, of course, only good for a quick look at something, or an emergency.

I've had my Juno e-mail for years. I just recently switched to Juno web also.
 
Originally posted by Esav Benyamin
All you need is the modem; you can access an e-mail account without actually going on line.

Juno will set you up with a free e-mail account, and a button to get you online also, if necessary. But the free web access is second-rate, of course, only good for a quick look at something, or an emergency.

I've had my Juno e-mail for years. I just recently switched to Juno web also.
Click to expand...

Sounds like what I'm looking for; I'll give it a try. Thanks!
 
I've been testing Juno for a few days now, and it seems to fit my particular need of a "free" ISP perfectly! Thanks for the suggestion!:D
 
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