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Spam Blockers
Spam, or unwanted email, is a huge time waster for many people who rely on email communication. Power users of email often receive 30 or more unwanted emails daily. Currently, there are legislative initiatives in the US to curb the spam, but the effectiveness of legislation is an unknown right now.
Software companies have attempted to mitigate the problem by creating spam blocking software. There are at least two types of blockers. Those that rely on a pre-existing database of know spam and those that use probability theory to differentiate between Spam and Ham (Ham being beneficial email).
One of the more effective Spam blockers is SpamNet. It uses a database to filter known spam out of your Outlook program. The database relies on the input of each user of the software to ensure its completeness. There are at least three disadvantages to this software. One, it costs money. Currently, the price is $3.99 /month US. Second, it flags spam from other user's input. Spam for one user may by Ham to another. So you risk false-positive results which cause wanted email to be blocked. Third, it will not catch new email types which were not previously identified as Spam. Spam companies are currently using innovative techniques to create unique email Spam which slips past the Spam blocker.
Another effective Spam blocker is SpamBayes. It uses probability theory to predict Spam in your Outlook program. It has at least two advantages. One, it is free. Two, it creates a unique filter to each user so the chance of false-positive problems is decreased. However, it has at least one disadvantage. You must train the software to identify what you consider Spam and what you consider Ham email. This is not difficult and involves several days of going through your email each day and training the software. After a week or so, it starts to predict with good results, what is Spam and what is Ham.
There are many more software titles available. Consider what email software you are using and research the alternatives available. Not all anti-Spam products work with all email programs. There are plenty of Freeware and Shareware programs found at Tucows. Additionally, there are many commercially available products found at Symantec and Network Associates.
Chartered Accountants with an IT designation specialty can advise the small business owner on IT solutions and resolutions to problems. Contact Keith Anderson CA-IT at (780) 447-5830 if you have further questions, concerns, or the need for advice.
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