PeoplePC internet service--any good?

18 years ago

I'm trying to find an ISP for my parents, and it looks like PeoplePC are the only ones in a price range they consider acceptable. The problem is that they're just far enough outside of their town, which is out in the boonies, that they can't get cable, can't get dsl, nothing. But they can access PeoplePC.

So I thought I'd do some research and ask here if anyone has used PeoplePC as an internet service provder. (I also posted over at the Kitchen Table.) Good/bad experience? We're not planning to use their software (I've heard rumors it comes bundled with spyware); instead we're thinking of Zone Alarm's internet suite w/firewall and virus protection. Any comments would be appreciated!!!

Thanks,

julie :-)

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Comments (10)

cboy
18 years ago
People PC has a 30 day trial version. I tried this and you
just about have to start a fight to cancel out after the
try out is about to end. Their still sending me CD's trying
to get me back. I made the mistake of letting them talk me
into giving a credit card number. Your not suppose to have to
do that for the trial version I think. Their email is not much
good, you would need to use something like Gmail or outlook.
I have AOL and they have a good way of saving on AOL.
I pay $14.95 for full service, dial-up and their Favorites
savings location is much better than Firefox.
bob414
18 years ago
You can read user opinions here.
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minnie_tx
18 years ago
You can get AOL for them FREE now. Family went to Free AOL but I kept the $4.95 a month plan. I get full service and dial-up if I should need it.
grandms
18 years ago
There are a number of other good low cost ISPs also. Do a search on Google for low cost ISPs and you should find any number who serve the area where your parents live. Prices range from $4.95 to $9.99 a month. I'd personally stay away from People PC.
mikie_gw
18 years ago
I had a couple of long distance friends with people's pc. They both often used customer support. Worked for them.

But if you dont need any customer support just buy the cheapest dialup you can find. The nationwide dialup isp's pretty much use the same wholesale modem pool connections. So as long as they pay their bills.. your connection works.
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
hmmm...many things to consider, especially if your parents aren't really computer savvy, and may have problems.

Is customer support 'free' or a charge by the minute?...don't like that.
Is there a year contract?...don't like that
Is a credit card required to even 'try' one for free?...don't like that
Do they require ebilling?...paying on line?...don't like that.
Do they require having their cd for installation...don't like that...having to waste time going and getting one, or waiting for one in the mail.
Do they have an accellerator? Do they charge additional for it?..don't like that.

I've had and liked twncorp for years. It has been reliable.
Free support
No contract
Numerous ways to pay...no credit card 'required' to get or keep service. I have mine come out of checking automatically.
No cd required...they can have you up and running in minutes
Free accellerator

Mine is 14.95 I might add, but it has all that I want and need in an ISP

And I might add...quick customer support...not a long time on hold like with some of the big boys.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: contact Transworld
cat_ky
18 years ago
My dial up service (allvantage) sold out to peoplepc a couple months ago. Because the transfer was done by allvantage, thought I would try it out. I kept it exactly 3 days. I hated it. I am now using Copper.net which I like a lot and its about same price as peoplepc. I have also heard an isp called toast.net recommended as being a very good choice. Both have dial up numbers in most areas. Good Luck to you.
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
18 years ago
below is a link to several dial-ups.

Copper.net is included there.
Note the ones 'without' the red star next to "yes' under phone support, are the ones with free phone support.

It sure is a 'tiny' red star...like they don't even want anyone to see it.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: dial-up comparisons.
cynic
18 years ago
There's a lot of low-cost ISPs around. I've known a couple people who used PeoplePC and were satisfied but left for broadband. I think they're a bit "spendy" even, since I'm paying less than $5/mo. Let's face facts folks, this myth about "tech support" on anything is mostly a myth. I get free email support. Basically all most anyone would need. Otherwise you'll pay more, either pay $10/mo more and get it "free" or pay by the minute.

Once set up, what more will you need? Even the "free" tech support will NOT teach you how to search for the best price on hemmorhoid creams or the like, nor will they solve your computer problems for you. It's limited, very limited. Most of the info you need will be on a website anyway and like I said, once you're going, what more will you need?

Be sure to look at features and needs. Number of hours vary. Most will have an email account but not all. Personally I think you're better off using something like Yahoo or Gmail since you're not reliant upon the ISP if you decide to change. More reasons but I won't go into them now.

BTW, IMO the "accellerator" programs are worthless and surely not worth paying for.

Oh, and FYI, most all of the ISPs use many of the same modem pools for access. So frankly, paying AOL's ridiculous charges get you nothing more than a $4/mo ISP as far as internet access. (Although they have some of their own sites you can go to, whoopie-ding, never interested me).

I would give a caution though. I'm amazed when I see people afraid to give a CC # to get a service, yet will give them direct access to their bank accounts! At least you have some control with the CC. And you also need to understand that for the low-buck outfits to make it, they can't be bothered chasing people for payment. That's why they require the CC payment. Even writing a check requires someone to process it which costs money.
parhelia
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks, guys! I'm reading, taking notes!

I really appreciate your input. Any further discussion and suggestions are welcome!!

Thanks,

Julie

PeoplePC internet service--any good?

Comments (10)

cboy

bob414

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parhelia
Original Author

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PeoplePC internet service--any good?

Comments (10)

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parheliaOriginal Author

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parhelia
Original Author