From Time to Time: Nando_s in-depth look at the 20th century.

AltaVista has become the first major Internet search portal to offer free Web access, a sharp contrast from companies that charge $20 per month for bare-bones service. But there_s a catch - lots of ads and less privacy. The strategy_s success depends on how many consumers willingly subject themselves to a constant stream of advertisements. AltaVista requires customers to click on a window of ads and Web links on the computer screen at least once an hour, or be disconnected. It also monitors a customer_s Internet usage to send them advertising. But if AltaVista succeeds in luring millions of Internet customers, as well as many more visitors to its network of sites, it could trigger a new movement by large access providers. AltaVista says it_s signed up 50,000 users since launching the service Thursday and aims for 1 million users within a year. AltaVista stands out as the first major Web brand to join the trend. AltaVista, based in Palo Alto, Calif., was sold by Compaq Computer Corp. in June to the Internet investment firm CMGI Inc. for $2.5 billion in a deal that has not yet closed. Some analysts say AltaVista, which ranked No. 10 among Web sites last month, has little choice but to take a radical approach.