There are two approaches, which will be explored below. The first is by making use of common sense when using the internet, while the second is through software. The combination of the two will probably give the best results.
Common Sense Tactics for Avoiding Spam
A large market for anti-spam software has been created by the demand to stop spam. One problem with this software is that sometimes e-mails which are not spam get thrown into the junk mail folder (or spam bucket), sometimes resulting in an important mail being missed. Browsing your junk mail folder for these lost sheep e-mails can be tedious when there are 300 spam emails jammed in there. There are some steps, however, that you can take to steer clear of spammers without the use of software. Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes.
The most effective approach to spam prevention is to keep off of lists where spammers might find your e-mail address. Below follow three simple secrets to fighting off spam:
Take care to read the fine print when filling out forms online, most forms have a box that has been pre-checked to indicate that your details can be shared with other sites for the purpose of sending you newsletters (read: junk mail), so make sure to de-select those options.
Again, when filling out forms, look for confidentiality disclaimers that tell you whether or not your e-mail address will be syndicated. It is not uncommon for companies to sell e-mail addresses to other companies looking to grow their database of prospective customers. The result of this is spam in your inbox.
Be careful of online money making offers. Make money from home campaigns often run on the pyramid scheme model, requiring that copious amounts of e-mail be distributed. By letting them see your e-mail address you may be subjecting yourself to a lifetime of spam. To avoid spam simply use your common sense and guard your e-mail address against prying eyes.
Benefits of Software for Fighting off Spam
Once you have an internet connection it becomes useful to have some form of spam blocking software to protect you from unwanted junk mail. The benefits of anti-spam software reach beyond your inbox, protecting your computer from viruses that gain entry through unsolicited junk mail.
Another danger of spam is that hackers can use your inbox as an entry point for extracting personal information, including bank details and credit card numbers. Anti-spam software will go a long way in protecting you from these dangerous e-mails.
Naturally there is a time saving factor to be taken into consideration. Anti-spam software will spare you the hassle of clearing your inbox each morning, not only will you not have to manually delete junk mail, you can also block specific senders, thereby preventing the mails being resent to you in the future. Anti-spam software is available online, where you can download free or paid for versions. A good web hosting provider should provide you with tons of information that will make the process easy to understand. A good web hosting provider will ensure that their servers are protected as well as possible - making for a great value add on - and should anything go askew, needless to say a support centre will be there to assist you with any queries along the way.
Hetzner is a South African web hosting company that takes pride in exceptional customer service. Consistently delivering the best service and web hosting packages, Hetzner has grown to become the largest specialised web hosting company in South Africa.