New Beta Version Open Source Dialer Permits AOL Subscribers to Use Linux Operating System.
Linspire today announced the availability of Internet dialer software that provides direct access to the Internet for desktop Linux users via AOL’s dial-up ISP service.
The AOL Dialer beta software enables desktop Linux users to easily configure their computers to use AOL over dial-up connections for the first time. Previously, only MS Windows and Apple computers could easily access AOL dial-up connections. Since each subscriber account may represent up to seven screen names (email addresses), access via AOL is now possible for families placing affordable Linux computers in their homes. Recent estimates suggest there are some 90 million unique users of AOL which opens up Linux to an important new audience.
“We’ve expressed to AOL that America Online dial-up support is the #1 request we get from users and OEMs, but they have yet to release anything,” said Michael Robertson, chief executive officer of Linspire. “We decided to build an open source dialer on our own so the massive AOL customer base can now use a low-cost Linux computer with their AOL accounts.”
Available free to all Linspire users, the AOL Dialer for Linux beta version installs with one click from the CNR Warehouse. The software is being released as open source and code is available here. An AOL option will be added to existing ISP options for Earthlink, Juno, NetZero and Speakeasy in the next major release of Linspire slated to debut later this year.
To configure and use the software, users must have an existing AOL screen name and know their local access number. Current access numbers may be found which can be entered into the Phone Number tab of the AOL Dialer software. Multiple access numbers are supported by the AOL Dialer interface. Clicking the “Connect” button establishes a connection and displays blinking “LED” lights in the computer’s system tray to show activity. After connecting, all Internet-based services can be accessed.
murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
Your source for investigative ebusiness reporting and breaking news.
