EarthLink has offered FREE Total Access 2003 (TA) software to enhance the Internet experience for Earthlink customers without interfering with their freedom.  TA places an optional easy access bar at the top of your screen for one-click access.  Behind this bar lies a comprehensive set of programs (running only on demand) to help you enjoy E-mail, Internet, Pop-Up blocking, Dial-Up/Login, etc.  The abbreviated TA software package (14.6Mb) is available for download from the EarthLink web site at http://www.earthlink.net/home/software/index.html .

This program is intended for new and existing EarthLink customers.  It will be of no use (you can not complete the install) if you are not a customer, but you are given the opportunity to be one of the elite Earthlink customers.

OK, How do I get the TotalAccess 2003 software?

Dial-up users may want to order the free CD to avoid the download time by visiting EarthLink at  http://www.earthlink.net/home/software/order/ .  A high-speed connection will get you only the abreviated version.  To get the free CD you do NOT have to be an Earthlink customer, but they will (and I do too) encourage you to do so.  Just mention my name "jimpool" when ordering (click here for details) and I will get another free month of service and you will get 45 days of free service plus the best ISP.  The CD contains many more features than the download version and is worth the 3-day wait for it to be mailed.

OK, I got Total Access.  How do I install it?

The software will attempt to make an "800" number call to get your access phone number list.  It will be far more efficient if you access the Internet (make Dial-up connection using any service) BEFORE you begin the installation.  If you have the CD, just pop it into the CD drive and wait for the software installation program to begin.  If you downloaded the abbreviated version (14.6 MB), then clicking on the downloaded file will start the install process.  (Note - you will want to request the CD to get all of the TA features).  The following process takes less than 5 minutes depending on your reading and typing speeds:

• Click on the "Install" button
• Click on the "I Accept" button
• Click on the "Next" button
• You may change the install folder name "Total Access"
• Click on the "Install" button
• You can un-check the "Make EarthLink Total Access Mail my default mail client"
• Select the "Dial-Up" radio button
• Click on the "Next" button
• Click the down arrow on the "Country" list and select your country - "United States"
• Type your state in the "State or Providence" field - "Colorado"
• Enter your "Area Code" only in the phone number line - "303"
• Click the "Next" button
• Check mark all that applies to your phone system - "10 digit dialing"
• Click the "Next" button
• The install software will get the list of EarthLink access numbers for your area using your current Internet connection or by dialing an "800" number.  This number often fails to gain access, so it is recommended to make a connection prior to beginning the install.
• Select your first choice access number and click the "Add" button
• Select your second choice access number and click the "Add" button
• Click the "Next" button
• Do not elect to install any "Bonus" software at this time - The install takes less than one minute.
• You will be given three choices
  • If you are new to EarthLink, click "Create a New Account"
    • You will be asked for your name, address, phone number
    • You will need to provide your method of payment details
    • You will need to provide a new E-mail name and password
  • If you are an Earthlink customer, click "Existing"
    • Enter your EarthLink E-mail name
    • Enter your EarthLink password
    • Click the "OK" button
  • Do NOT click "Exit" unless you choose to not install anything.  Please hang up your modem.
• Click on "Print" to get a hard copy of your account details
• Click on "Save" to save a disk copy of your account details
• It will be necessary to re-start your computer.   This will hang up any dial-up connection.
• Upon restart the TA software will be active (optional button bar at top of display)
• You will need to enter your Password and check the box for the password to be remembered
• The TotalAccess 2003 optional button bar will display at the top of your display - You can control whether this display is activated on boot.
• You can eliminate/change the automatic start-up page in Internet Explorer by seeing my IE Setup page at http://home.earthlink.net/~jimpool2/tidbits/ie-setup.html .  [TA puts an Earthlink start page there on installation.]

If you are not an Earthlink customer, please consider becoming one because they provide the full Internet experience
WITHOUT any advertising, forced startup software or home pages, and they
PROVIDE the best access, service, speed, and conveniences.
Please see my Home PC Setup pages.

I am getting unlimited service, eight E-mail addresses (POP3), and 80 Mb of web space for only $19.95/month (using either AARP discount or annual payment) - $21.95 normal with NO other fees, taxes, or costs.

One of their best browser enhancements is the Pop-Up Blocker which is NOT automatically installed.  Please see Pop-Up Blocker pages.

I hope this helps making the Internet more pleasant to use.