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NetZero's Free Web Access

Free Internet service sounds great, if it can last. The catch? Ads on your desktop.

Paul Heltzel, PC World

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Would you be willing to trade advertising on your desktop for free Net access? Los Angeles-based start-up NetZero is betting you will.

Access is one of the only Internet services for which users are willing to pony up fees. With free e-mail, content, and of course, browsers, it's not a shock to see a no-cost ISP. In fact, NetZero isn't the first to try the idea. Last year Charlotte, North Carolina-based BOSnet went under after taking over the accounts of consumers who had signed up with a service called USFreeway, which promised "free" Internet access for a one-time fee of between $25 and $45.

More notable is the popular Juno service, which offer offers free e-mail paid for by advertisements. However, Juno charges $19.95 a month for Web access.

NetZero, which launched its service of the same name Monday, requires you to fill out a demographic profile, allowing advertisers to target their ads to your interests.

The company's zCast software generates a 1-by-3.5-inch window, which shows 30-second ads. The window can be moved as you browse, but not closed.

The company says it will act to protect users' privacy, and will not disclose a subscriber's name, address, phone number, or e-mail address.

In a quick look, the program installed quickly, then asked me to choose a local access number. Area coverage looks fairly extensive, although not nearly as broad as the coverage offered by larger providers, such as AOL or Mindspring. After picking a dial-up number, the program connects to the Net and you're asked to fill out your profile.

To start using the software, you need to download the software (3MB) from NetZero's site or order a free disk by sending e-mail to shipit@netzero.net.

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