>Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 11:36:31 -0700
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: Kelly Ford <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: webwatch-l Free Internet with NetZero: http://www.netzero.net
>Sender: [log in to unmask]
>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
>
>Hi All,
>
>It would seem that another company wants to test the theory of
>advertiser-supported free internet access for the masses.  This time it is
>a company called NetZero which has recently launched free internet.  The
>price ypu pay is a little window on your screen that flips through ads
>every 30 seconds or so.  If you are using a screen reader, have no fear
>because this window doesn't interfere with other applications, rather your
>screen reader treats it as a separate window which can change switch to.
>Near as I can tell the ads themselves don't get recognized by the screen
>reader.
>
>To try the service you'll need to download an installation program from the
>company's site which is:
>
>http://www.netzero.net
>
>Download the installation software directly from:
>
>http://nz1.netzero.net/netzero.exe
>
>The installation program is more or less screen reader friendly.  I noticed
>a few places where I had to actually use my screen reader's mouse click
>feature to activate a button but this was not always the case.  You'll be
>asked a few questions about your interests and such which is used to tailor
>the ads presented to you.  Once everything's installed you'll have another
>dialup networking entry on your computer and when you connect to the
>NetZero network the advertising window will open.  Aside from that I
>couldn't notice any differences in accessing the net under Windows 95.  In
>fact using my 56K modem I actually got a faster connection than I typically
>do with my standard ISP--50K vs. 47.5K.
>
>Once you've created an account, you can use whatever Windows 95 internet
>applications you choose.  Your account includes email access.  Set pop3 and
>smpt servers to mail.netzero.net when configuring your email package.
>
>Be warned that the NetZero web site isn't the most accessible in that it
>lacks alt-tags for certain sections.  However, if you download the software
>with the URL provided you can avoid navigating the site.
>
>NetZero seems to have good phone coverage in terms of the cities they have
>dialup access numbered listed for.  As with any of these free services, the
>question is how long will it remain free or stay in business.  Tritium,
>another such service, rcently suspended operation.  If you are looking for
>backup net access or perhaps net access when you travel NetZero might be
>worth exploring.  Personally I'm not ready to dump my regular ISP but will
>take NetZero for a test over the next couple weeks.
>
>Kelly
>
>


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