by Paul Dice

Created on: September 01, 2007

Even though there have been changes in the laws both on this side of the Atlantic and in the USA, we find that junk mail is still invading our email Inboxes. These pose a security threat for the unwary, take up far too much time that would be better spent on being productive or creative, assault the sensitivities of the vulnerable and utilise socially engineering to get at your hard earned cash.

The opt-out option is not feasible because just how do you go through all that mail, not only that but would you really click on any of the links in unsolicited mail.

In addition, our interests may change but can you be bothered going through all those groups you joined on Yahoo and un-subscribe? Just change the email address from friend to foe and you will not be troubled again.

So how can protect our mailboxes?

My recommendation is a great little program called Mail Washer, which acts like a buffer between your email utility and your computer that filters out junk mail.

HOW DOES IT WORK
-
Mail Washer flags those suspected of carrying a virus and automatically marks them for deletion.

It analyses the email and compares it against know lists of offending address as well as checking against your own list of blocked addresses.

Mail Washer gives you the option to allow or block email before it reaches you and the option of bouncing the spam mail back which can make the spam server respond as if your email address has become inactive and will could automatically removes you from its junk mail list. However, bouncing also informs them that someone is checking that email address because mail has been bounced. I tend not to bounce, just delete and add to my blacklist.

THE PROGRAM
-
It is not a very large program and very easy to install.

The only real time consuming element is the setting up of your email accounts details so Mail Washer can log on to your email addresses.

Where you will really notice the amount of time saving is when you return from your holiday and you log on to check your emails. You won't have to spend the next two hours going through your them to sort out the good, the bad, and the ugly, Mail Washer will sort through all you emails, recognising friend from foe and will have marked those for deletion. There maybe one or two that may need your attention but, from my experience, it has been a boon.

Once set up, its operation is very simple. Clicking the Check Mail button logs Mail Washer on to your email accounts and checks for new email messages. Mail washer will then

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>