Anti-Spam Filters: How to Find the Right Software
for Your System
Some people actually like spicy meat in a can.
But nobody likes email spam. That’s why free anti-spam
software or filters are a good thing. Most email
programs come with built-in filters. Add-on filters
are also available that function as email proxies.
The spam filter lives on your computer like a local
email server, acting as a proxy between your ISP’s
mail server and your email client, such as Eudora
or Outlook. Once it’s installed, the add-on filter
checks your mail, filters out all the spam it can
identify, and then sorts or deletes it according to
your preferences.
Spam Filters for Windows Users
Add-on free anti-spam software like other products,
are designed to operate with specific configurations.
Windows users will find the widest selection and easiest
access to programs. You can search and download a program
that’s compatible with any version of Windows on the
vendor’s websites.
For users with POP3 or IMAP accounts or folks who use
other email services such as AOL, Yahoo!, or Hotmail,
an add-on spam program for Windows might still work.
Many of these accounts can be filtered via your
Outlook or Outlook Express applications and are
therefore compatible with Windows software.
In fact, some of the newer filters offer plug-ins
that filter messages on your handheld email device.
Free anti-spam software on the go!
Spam Filters for Mac and Other Users
A quick web search should result in several anti-spam
options for Mac users. Most are compatible with Mail
or Eudora email clients. Some Mac-friendly filters
are even capable of filtering mail in POP3, IMAP,
and Exchange accounts.
For users employing other operating systems,
such as a Linux box, add-on anti-spam options
do exist. Try searching the Mac compatible
programs to find versatile software.
Spam Filters for the Computer Challenged
If downloading free anti-spam software and
following an endless series of setup box
instructions isn’t your favorite way to spend
the afternoon, fear not. Spam filters maintained
at an offsite server could work for you.
If you have very little memory left on your hard
drive or you just don’t like configuring software,
try one of the subscription services available online.
For a small monthly fee, your messages will be routed
through their filters before arriving in your inbox
relatively spam-free.
A Life Without Spam
Most users find that adding on an anti-spam program
is well worth the small cost and minimal time investment.
To choose the right software for your computer,
be sure you know your system requirements and make a
list of the features that are important to you.
You could be headed for a spam-free future.
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Amy Durham is a full-time freelance writer specializing
in business, IT, home decorating, gardening, and
inspirational writing. Her work has appeared in Facility
Manager, InStore, The Source, First Home, D Magazine,
Texas Family Magazine, and several online publications.
As an expert author, she ghostwrites original articles
for website content, newsletters, blogs, and e-zines.
She is also the author of an online inspirational course
for writers and several e-books. Please visit her website
http://www.MooJuiceMedia.com.
