A spam filter is a piece of software that sorts incoming email messages and blocks messages it identifies as spam.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer a free spam filtering service, while other ISPs offer filters for a fee. You can also purchase spam filtering software from computer shops.
While filters are useful, they sometimes fail to identify spam and mistakenly block genuine, non-spam messages. To address these problems, you can:
* direct your spam into a 'spam folder', rather than automatically blocking it. This way you can scan your spam folder for genuine messages that your filter may have mistakenly identified as spam.
* if you use web-based email, such as Hotmail or Yahoo, you can check whether your provider offers an anti-spam setting as part of the email service.
More information on filtering, anti-virus and personal firewall software is available on the Internet Industry Association security website at www.security.iia.net.au/ and from your local computer shop. Your ISP should also be able to offer advice on obtaining security software.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer a free spam filtering service, while other ISPs offer filters for a fee. You can also purchase spam filtering software from computer shops.
While filters are useful, they sometimes fail to identify spam and mistakenly block genuine, non-spam messages. To address these problems, you can:
* direct your spam into a 'spam folder', rather than automatically blocking it. This way you can scan your spam folder for genuine messages that your filter may have mistakenly identified as spam.
* if you use web-based email, such as Hotmail or Yahoo, you can check whether your provider offers an anti-spam setting as part of the email service.
More information on filtering, anti-virus and personal firewall software is available on the Internet Industry Association security website at www.security.iia.net.au/ and from your local computer shop. Your ISP should also be able to offer advice on obtaining security software.