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Many
e-mail users who want a higher level of protection than
spam filters opt for spam blockers which are more stringent
about which e-mails are received and which are considered
as spam.
While spam filters use probability formulas to automatically
predict which e-mails are spam and which are not, spam
blockers are entirely user-controlled and work much like
user-ID on a telephone, which requires all those who want
access to identify themselves.
These
e-mails are put in quarantine and are automatically deleted
if the user does not wish to accept them. Spam blockers
can stop almost all spam from entering the inbox, and
are highly selective about which e-mails are accepted.
Spam
blockers can work with existing e-mail, but many provide
a new e-mail address for the subscriber. Unlike spam filters,
spam blockers are not usually available for free with
an e-mail provider, but must be downloaded and purchased.
Many
people find that a higher degree of protection is worth
the extra price. Many spam blocking programs offer a disposable
e-mail sub-adress where unrecognized e-mails can be sent.
In case a spammer gets through and starts harassing the
user, the address can be disposed of .
Many
people feel that spam blockers are more powerful than
spam filters in getting rid of spam. This is undoubtedly
true, since spam filters rely on probability rather than
the user's own judgement. However, some feel that spam
blockers are more of a hassle than filters, since everyone
sending an e-mail must be approved.
This
can require more time to deal with basic e-mail tasks
than filters, which do the job for you. However, others
feel that the fact that spam blockers offer a higher degree
of protection is worth the extra time spent accepting
or rejecting e-mails.
Like
spam filters, if a user feel that he or she is being harassed
by a sender, that sender can be blocked permanently. Spam
blockers allow the user to update an change qualifications
all of the time, including deciding to allow certain people
to send e-mail or blocking others. Many people prefer
the control that spam blockers give them in deciding who
reaches them and who does not. This added protection is
worth the price of the package.
There
are many spam blockers available to download from the
internet. It is worth investigating to see which ones
are right for your needs. Many spam blocking software
offers a free trial for a month to see if you are happy
with their particular program and features.
Obviously, the more features you want, it is likely that
you will have to invest more money, but increased spam
protection can prevent costly and difficult problems in
the long run.
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