It does not cost a lot to get Internet access,
but with the proliferation of free access and email services
out there, it’s hardly worth paying good money to get on the
web. Here is a list of some of the services you can try. One
recommendation: Because these services are free, they can
sometimes be slightly unreliable. It is a good idea to sign
up for accounts with more than one service so you are guaranteed
to be able to get on the Internet whenever you need to. And
hey—it doesn’t cost you a penny more!
3Web
Provides free Internet access, free email and participation
in the free 3web network. Requires a PC, a modem and the free
software suite that is available through a download through
the website.
Address.com
Provides free Internet access, free e-mail, free weather
updates, free URL forwarding. Plans to provide free website
hosting, instant messaging and free chat.
Boot
Box
This service offers free Internet access, but also
offers free web-based email and free web site hosting. However,
for customers who pay to have BootBox.net host their domain
name, the service includes nearly-free e-commerce, a customized
webmail portal and the opportunity to offer customers free
web-based email and free web hosting.
College
Club
This service, offered in cooperation with Spinway.com,
is available if you agree to become a member of this web-based
community. However, services include free email that you can
listen to via phone, and free voicemail, along with free Internet
access.
Dot
Now
This service offers web access that includes an advertising
bar. It is currently available only for PC systems with Windows,
but Macintosh and Linux versions are in development.
Family
Connect
For a $29.95 set-up fee and an agreement to answer
a monthly survey, this Internet service is available for free.
It also includes a special filter that makes it family-safe.
Email
Addresses
This directory also includes links to lots of other
free services, including free online calendars, free online
storage (Which is great for backing up your home files), and
free web hosting.
Net
Zero
NetZero uses banner ads and a toolbar to track users’
web browsing habits. In return, you get free Internet access
and free e-mail. It currently only supports PC users. http://www.juno.com
— Provides free email and Internet access. Premium Internet
access is available through Juno for $9.95 per month. Currently
only supports PC computers, and they have no plans to develop
a Macintosh version. Also includes 12 MB of web space.
WebLand
Webland’s free Internet services plays a 30-second
commercial that you listen to instead of hearing your modem
dial and connect to the Internet.
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