MSN experience??

[Budfred]

I use Qwest DSL and just upgraded to the next faster level of service (1.5M)... I then discovered that my ISP charges another $10/month for that speed (if paid in one lump sum for the year)... Combining the charges from my ISP and Qwest comes to $42/month... Qwest is offering a package with the faster service and MSN for $27 a month for the first year and then it goes to $40... I am getting the DSL for a $6/month discount the first year, so the total for my current service would be $48/month next year.... That means I would save $15 a month this year and $8 a month next year by using MSN through Qwest...

All that said, I don't really trust MSN and I would like to hear from anyone who has used them to see what you think... Is it worthwhile?? Will they make it harder for me to use the web?? Any feedback would be helpful...

Thanks again... :)

[Bullman]

I have been Using Qwest DSL w/MSN Premium for several years now. I have not had to really deal with MSN at all, except for the initial setup (Account name, E-mail, etc.). Qwest will send you the setup package with the modem/wireless router and an MSN/installation disk. After you run the initial setup program, just do not bother installing the MSN program, it is not needed. You can then just go about using Firefox or Explorer just as usual.

BTW, the modem/router they have been using lately only has one ethernet connection for one PC. It is also wireless ready but I do not use it. I have it connected to a Linksys WRT54G router and use it.

[Budfred]

Thanks for the feedback... I already have the ActionTec modem and a router, so it is just a matter of changing my settings to the MSN options...

The guy I talked to at my current ISP was saying that MSN limits being able to use web email options like gmail, but I don't think that would be a problem for me...

[Bullman]

I guess if you were to install the MSN disk, it may limit things like gmail. I use gmail and have no problems. There are also directions on the qwest website that will let you setup gmail with Outlook. My internet experience has been exactly the same as it was when I had dial up w/ another ISP, just a whole lot faster.

I don't want it to look like I own stock in MSN, just want to help you out on any questions you have.

[Budfred]

I signed up for it today and should have it by Thursday... I don't plan to install the software, so I may need a few pointers if I run into trouble manually configuring it... I think it will be pretty straightforward though... :)

[Suchy]

If you dont thrust MSN, then dont use it. I had Earthlink for years, and I did not even install their stuff. I just use IE for the web.

I am sure you can do the same with MSN.

It is funny that when something is wrong and I call up they ask me for my Earthlink email, and I am like "I don't have it" :p

[Budfred]

I assume you mean trust?? It isn't quite as simple as that... I do not want to pay more for a service than I have to and I don't particularly trust the alternatives either... If I get high speed cable, it would cost 2 or 3 times what I pay now... If I go with my current ISP or any other ISP, it would cost me at least $100-$200 more per year... At this point I am going with MSN and I will just avoid using their software... I see no reason not to use their email accounts, but I will get some other type if there is a problem with them...

[Budfred]

Okay, I have MSN (for today anyway) and have figured out that they do not offer any POP3 email accounts... They only offer web based accounts that can be accessed through Outlook, but not through Thunderbird... I don't like webmail and I want a POP3 account, so I am looking at my options again...

These include qwest.net... However, they don't offer pricing info online, so I don't know what that would cost... My guess until I can call them tomorrow is that they will be more expensive than any of the other options...

That takes my back to my current ISP even though they would be more than I would prefer to pay...

Or, there are email accounts offered online that are free or paid and have POP3 options... Does anyone know anything about using any of those accounts?? Do you recommend any of them??

Thanks for any ideas... :)