How can I avoid spam?

The main tips for avoiding spam are:

1. Use a second 'disposable' email address - use this on web sites you do not trust, on message boards, online forums etc.
2. Avoid viewing HTML emails / spam (this includes a previewing it).
3. Never reply to spam received - you are just confirming your email address is valid and will probably just receive more! ;(
4. Do not click unsubscribe links on spam - again you are just confirming your email address.
5. Use anti-spam / filtering software - but beware that these will not catch all spam and may incorrectly catch some legitimate emails as spam!
6. Run anti-virus software and a firewall and keep your computer updated with the security patches from the manufacturer - this may not directly stop you receiving spam but helps protect your computer from viruses / trojans.
7. Never buy from companies / web sites that advertise using spam.

For many more tips try these links:

1. Spamhelp
2. CAUCE

Use authenticated SMTP / SMTP-AUTH

Normal SMTP (outgoing mail) servers can only be used while you are using your ISP's Internet connection - this is normally done as an anti-spam precaution.

Unfortunately this causes problems if you use multiple ISP's (i.e. mobile users or if you use one ISP at work and another at home). This means you would have to change your SMTP settings to match the ISP you are using.

To get around this you can use an authenticated SMTP mail relay - like AuthSMTP. This authenticates you using a user name / password and allow access using alternate SMTP ports - meaning you can use it from almost all ISP's (i.e. when your ISP blocks the default TCP/IP port 25 used by SMTP).

Note: Authenticated SMTP is also known as SMTP-AUTH - for more details see here.

Try another email program!

Most people use Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express simply because they are free and were often installed automatically with their copy of Windows.

Although they are good email programs it does not mean they are the best for you!

One new email application we are currently using is Mozilla Thunderbird - it is a free download and has some great features. Will review in more detail shortly!

Some other email programs to consider are:

1. Mulberry (great with IMAP!)
2. Eudora
3. Pegasus

Webmail / HTML email breeds spam

Much of the spam sent these days is sent as HTML format - this is by design!

Spammers embed unique CGI codes in graphics within the page / email you view - just by viewing the email you are effectively confirming your email address is valid and will cause you to receive more spam!

If you use webmail this is largely unavoidable but some web based email programs have the option to disable embedded CGI - unfortunately this does not solve the problem entirely as spammers can use unique filenames for graphics on the page instead.

If you use a normal email program they normally have the option to turn off previewing of HTML emails - we would recommend you do this!

To turn off viewing HTML emails in Outlook Express:

• Select 'Tools' menu then 'Options'
• Click on the 'Read' tab
• Select 'Read all messages in plain text'
• Click 'Ok'

If you do receive a (non-spam) HTML email you need to view you can select 'View' then 'Message in HTML' or use the shortcut: Alt-Shift-H

(Will add details for other email programs soon!)

Virus scan your email

Most current anti-virus programs have the option to scan both your incoming and outgoing email. Remember to ensure this feature is enabled!

Also ensure your anti-virus subscription is up-to-date and you frequently download new virus signature files - most anti-virus software will do this automatically but we also recommend you do manual checks at least once a week!