Spam and How To Control It

Junk mail. I don't like it showing up in my real mailbox, and I like it even less in my online mailbox. And these days, junk e-mail (or spam) isn’t just annoying, it may also carry viruses, worms or spyware, or be the first step in an attempt at online fraud or identity theft.

Fortunately, Internet service providers and software companies are making good progress on blocking spam so that I don't have to deal with as much of it. Spam filters can reduce the amount of online junk mail I receive, and good judgment can limit or prevent the problems that could be caused by the spam I do receive.

To reduce my risks from spam, I make sure to use the tools included with my e-mail application. I use spam filters from my e-mail program and block unwanted instant messages. I also block images that can sometimes embed programs that gather information about me and my computer and return it to the sender. I never respond to spam or purchase products from unsolicited email, and I’m very careful about sharing my e-mail and instant message addresses.