Earthlink 2003 Annual Report Download - page 7

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printed reference material.
For our value-priced narrowband Internet access services, we provide free email-based customer support and technical assistance seven
days a week, 24 hours a day. We also offer free customer billing and software installation support via telephone seven days a week from 9 a.m.
to 9 p.m. EST, and we offer fee-based technical support via telephone for technical matters other than software installation seven days a week,
24 hours a day.
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Technical Developments and Service Enhancements
TotalAccess 2004
In September 2003, we launched TotalAccess 2004, the newest version of EarthLink's Internet access software, which provides new tools
and email features to enhance customers' Internet experiences. Key features of TotalAccess 2004 include Pop-Up Blocker, spamBlocker,
Spyware Blocker, EarthLink Accelerator, parental controls, privacy tools and Easy Switch, a tool that allows customers to make the switch
from AOL, MSN and other competitors easier by importing their address book and sending change-of-address notifications. Other features
include a task panel that provides one-
click access to the Internet, email and personal web space; automatic notification when newer versions of
relevant software are available; improved email features; and enhanced search features powered by Google.
Pop
-Up Blocker
Pop-Up Blocker, offered to subscribers at no additional charge, is software designed to prevent advertising windows from appearing
above (pop-up) or under (pop-under) a customer's main browser window. In June 2003, we launched the latest version of Pop-Up Blocker,
equipped with a feature that combats rich media ads on the Internet. Rich media ads are pop-ups or animated and audio-enabled cartoons that
move across web pages.
spamBlocker
In May 2003, we began offering, at no additional charge, a spam-
blocking feature that enables EarthLink subscribers to eliminate virtually
100 percent of all junk email. spamBlocker invokes a 'permission-based' auto-response to spam and unrecognized email addresses, asking the
sender to fill out a short, easy-to-complete form to gain access to the EarthLink subscriber's inbox at the EarthLink subscriber's discretion.
EarthLink has been a leader in the fight against spam and aggressively combats spam through technical solutions, litigation and customer
education.
EarthLink Accelerator
In July 2003, EarthLink began offering EarthLink Accelerator in its premium-priced narrowband Internet access service offering at no
extra charge. This enables faster surfing speeds by utilizing a web acceleration technology that reduces the size of web pages and page
elements sent to customers' browsers.
Spyware Blocker
Spyware Blocker, introduced in October 2003, offers customers protection against spyware. Spyware is a type of software that secretly
forwards information about a computer user's online activities to another individual or company without the user's knowledge or permission. In
January 2004, EarthLink began offering a spyware detection program, SpyAudit, to all Internet users free-of-charge.
Virus Blocker
Virus Blocker
SM
is a server-side, anti-virus tool that helps prevent subscribers from downloading Internet-borne viruses, worms and other
malicious code via email messages and attachments sent to their EarthLink email accounts. EarthLink began offering Virus Blocker in
November 2003.
PeoplePC
PeoplePC's access software is distinct and separate from TotalAccess 2004, which is used to deliver service to the EarthLink-branded
premium narrowband subscribers. The PeoplePC software has less features and applications than TotalAccess 2004 and uses Smart Dialer
technology that allows customers to access the fastest and most reliable connection. PeoplePC's access software also includes spam filtering
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