I have one built into my email program, so I have never had to use a separate program. But a friend just called asking for a spam filtering program and I was clueless - and you were the first person I thought to ask, sooooooo

Got any ideas for a free spam filtering program?

Fran

Hi Fran,

I'm not much help with spam filtering apps, but I remember talking to someone I consider pretty knowledgeable about email in general. Like you, she is also a web master.

Check out her site at Martha's Web. http://www.marthas-web.com/

Let's ask her ...

Hello Martha,

Gosh, I guess it's been a couple of years since we've spoken. You may remember me or not. Can you take a look at Fran's question (just below) and let us know what you think?

Oh, you may want to see Fran's website at http://www.gammawgeek.us/.

Best wishes to you both, Ladies.

Clif

Hi Clif and Fran,

I may not be the best person to ask about spam filtering apps, because......

I really don't get much spam! Several years ago I kept hearing about all the spam my online friends were getting and I decided to see why they were getting so much of the unwanted junk in their inboxes and I wasn't.

This is what I discovered. Most of them were not using any spam filters or they were using a spam filter that didn't do the best of jobs. If they had a web site, they put their contact email address right on the web pages for the world (and spambot harvesters) to see. Most of them had one email address used for everything, including to register on websites for any and everything. They used this email address for business purposes, family and friends.

Just by chance (because I thought it was neat), when I made my website, I did not post my email address for the world to see, but used a .gif file which had to be clicked, which would then bring up the user's primary email program with my email address displayed in the 'To' field. So it took a physical click to get to the email address which evaded the harvesters. This method is no longer safe as the spambots are more sophisticated, so I have implemented another tactic. The 'click on .gif' also was not user friendly for folks using web-based email.

I also use a 'throw away' email address for those sites that want me to register to view content, etc. While most of those sites say in their privacy policy that they will not give your email address to anyone, a closer look may reveal they will share your information with their 'partners'. Nothing is said about what the partners will do with your information.

I have tried to educate family and friends to always use BCC when sending and forwarding emails as well as trimming out any other email addresses. Sometimes this is a losing battle, most of my family and friends are not really computer savvy, which in the beginning was the main reason for Martha's Web to exist.

This page on my site was made especially for certain family members!
http://www.marthas-web.com/spam-in-your-inbox.htm

I tried several spam filters, but I found them to be either too aggressive, not aggressive enough and due to the nature of a spam filter, they slowed down the ability to get in and read my email. Since I don't get much spam I decided it wasn't worth the effort.

For anyone that is being overwhelmed with spam, I suggest they get a gmail account and use it for their primary email account for trusted business (banks, etc.) family and friends. Gmail has a really great spam filter built in and I seldom find any wanted email in the spam box. Gmail allows users to download their mail to any email program for those folks that want to keep their mail on their computer, but also can be read online for folks who prefer web-based email. Use another email account for everything else.

Hope this helps!

Martha

Hi Ladies,

I definitely agree with Martha's recommend on Gmail. I'm guessing Fran would also agree since she's a long time Gmail user as well.

I'm writing to tell you about one of those funny things that seem to happen constantly. I read about a problem and the next day I read about a solution. (or vice versa)

Today, I was catching up on my email and I got into Gizmo's Tech Support Alert Newsletter. He recommended a spam tool! (below)

Best wishes to you both.

Clif