FREE BUT NOT SO EASY
Written: Jan 06 '00 (Updated Jan 06 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: FREE AND VERY FAST
Cons: YOU NEED 10 SIGNED-UP REFERRALS TO GET A FREE DSL MODEM; THERE IS ALSO A MANDATORY AD BANNER
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| markjfeueresq's Full Review: Winfire FreeDSL |
Free DSL. What a terrific idea. I runs circles around the other free ISP services because it is FAST.
Although the cost of DSL service has been dropping the last few months, I prefer to get it free. Why spend $30.00 to $50.00 per month, for DSL when you may be able to get it for nothing.
To get free DSL you must first get to the web site, freedsl.com. Follow the simple instructions.
I just signed up even though the service, from what I understand, the DSL connection will not be useable until the spring (April)2000. The Free DSL is brought to you courtesy of Broadband Digital. Broadband Digital was formed by a couple of young mega millionaires who became wealthy from the sale proceeds of their last internet venture.
The first steps to getting on board are not too difficult. You must give them some basic information, nothing too personal. Then, you have to download the WinFire Browser Assistant software. The download is 1.41MB and it took me 5 to 6 minutes to complete. A less powerful computer than mine may take 20 to 30 minutes for the download.
NOTHING IS FREE:
The free DSL has a few strings attached. The most burdensome "string" is that you must refer, and thereby cause, at least ten of your friends, acquaintances, associates, and/or relatives to also sign up for the free WinFire Browser Assistant. If you fail to do so, you do not qualify for a free DSL modem. A mere referral who fails to sign up for the WinFire Browser Assistant does not qualify.
Nevertheless, many people will appreciate free browser and a chance to get free DSL, so you may not lose too many friends in the process.
The second string, if you will, is that YOU must agree to sign up for WinFire. This means you have to accept the advertising banner. As if there is not enough junk splashing across your screen already.
This banner, may be the best in the industry. The banner size can be adjusted to a small strip. And, it has enormous utility.
WinFire is an excellent browser assistant.
As a bonus, you get points which can be redeemed for entry into prize drawings for such goodies as trips to Maui, but you get a mind boggling array of direct links to many of the best web sites on the internet.
Enough of the fluff, listed below is a partial summary of the sites easily found utilizing WinFire:
9 MP3 links to various sites, including Rolling Stone. com; Goto.com; Askjeeves; Power Web Search button brings you to 8 of the best search engines, including Yahoo; an auction button provides 7 auction sites to chose from, including eBay.com; the Menu button on the upper right of the ad banner provides an extensive menu of Business & Finance sites, Community and Lifestyle sites, including the hunger site, Entertainment sites, Travel, Search & Online Tools. Chances are, you'll find your favorite sites with WinFire's assistance. The menu is used to customize the ad banner so the buttons represent your favorite sites.
Fabulous.
Anyhow, when you get to the freedsl.com homepage, you can experience a sample of what they are offering. In this way, you will get a fair idea of the service that is being offered before you start fishing for good referrals.
I expected that someday we would get the opportunity to have free DSL but I did not expect the service to be available so soon. I signed up today.
There is an old saying, "If it is free, there is a line." From what I understand from the news broadcasts, the response to FREE DSL is very very big.
Because I have yet to substantially use the subject system, I can not accurately comment on the ease of use, connection reliability, and quality of tech support. I will update this opinion when I learn more.
In the event you are one of those who do not believe in free rides, this is not for you. There are some very good DSL services that are available today and will send you a bill each month. In that way, you are not forced to suffer the inconvenience or hassle related to the aforementioned "strings."
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): FREE (with strings attached)
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Epinions.com ID:
markjfeueresq
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Location: Tarzana, California
Reviews written: 106
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
I am a lawyer, teacher, writer, and artist.
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