Earthlink's Software, Grade A Crap

I've been having little problems here and there ever since I started using earthlink and their software a year ago. Mainly that when I start my computer and earthlink's totalaccess software loads, it uses 100% of my resources and freezes, restarting doesn't help, and if I terminate earthlink's software then svchost.exe will start using 100% of my resources, and if I terminate that then I won't have any internet and my computer will restart.
I was finally fed up with this and decided to uninstal it, which took about an hour, yes an hour. I'm debating whether or not I should reinstal their software(It's not bad and I love the popup blocker), but I'm trying to find out the real cause to this freezing problem.
It ALWAYS happens after my dad uses my computer, I don't know why, but I also somehow have spyware after he uses my computer, which I always have to get rid of. Does anybody know what's causing this?

You can install Googlebar which does a good job too as a substitute pop up blocker.

I too think that Earthlink software is a resource hog. And I think it would be best if you dump it.

Well now I know not to give Earthlink a try. I was looking for a replacement for MSN. Have you tried just making a dialer and accessing the internet that way. I do that with MSN when I dont want all of their software loaded and I just want a steady internet connection. All you need is your internet name and password and an access # and you should be able to use a dialer as long as Earthlink doesnt block that kind of connection.

Well I don't HAVE to use their software since I'm on Earthlink DSL, but It's nice to have because of the popup blocker and their email client(although I could just use outlook) It usually uses 5-20mb, as much as AIM and my memory is usually under 50% unless I'm playing a game. Their software is slim, easy to look at, but could use some fixing, their internet is pretty good also, except for me getting disconnect while it "updates the ip" but I guess that's just a part of having broadband with a dynamic address

i dunno how they are now but back in the day when i had dial up earthlink was the fastest and very reliable. i never used the bloat software though, just for the hook up.

Do they use web based email?

Yeah they have webbased and you can use outlook or any other email program.