Anti Spam for Outlook is an issue about which I am consistently queried. I have a solid base of Internet and computer knowledge, so when helping friends and family, one of the most common questions I am asked is “What kind of anti spam can I get for my Microsoft Outlook?” Instead of addressing the “who” – as in, what software should you use – let’s address the “why” – as in, do you really need any at all?
Anti Spam for Outlook: Is Spam a Bigger Issue for Outlook Users than Others?
A lot of people seem to feel that they get an unusually high amount of spam in Outlook, largely because of Microsoft’s much heralded security breaches in Internet Explorer, its Windows versions, etc. The truth is, spam is an annoying headache for all email users, leaving a possibly worse taste in your mouth than the canned meat with which it shares its name.
It also should be noted that Outlook has its own spam blocker, under its “Junk Email” heading. To turn the filter on or off, simply open Outlook and got to Actions-> Junk Email –> Junk Email Options and select the settings you desire. If you are going to make use of the junk email filter, it is probably best to set it at “low”.
Anti Spam for Outlook: Why Not Use the Highest Settings?
Whether you are using Outlook’s own filter or a third party add-on, be very careful about putting the security settings at “high”. If you have your security up to max, there is a very good chance that the filter will mistake some legitimate emails that you may want or need for spam. Regardless of your settings, you should still always browse any email sent to a spam folder before deleting, as any filter can make a mistake.
A spam blocker looks for specific words, patterns and clues to determine which emails are junk. It is always possible that an email you receive from a legit entity that send out many messages at a time could be mistaken for spam. Even if the email is a single one sent from your sweet grandma it could be read as spam if she inadvertently includes some red flag terminology or design.
Anti Spam for Outlook: I Don’t Trust Outlook – I Want Another Filter
There is certainly nothing wrong with adding a spam filter to your Outlook. Personally, I don’t bother, as I’ve become very good at quickly scanning the “from” category and verifying that Outlooks’ alleged junk emails are, indeed, garbage. I do find ones that have slipped into this category by mistake fairly often.
As far as what filtering software to use, I’m not going to make a specific recommendation, as there are thousands of them out there and most are clean and basically effective. If you want a spam filter, run a search for them and back up your choices with good, independent user reviews.
As always, whether your anti spam is for Outlook or any other email software, always verify that flagged items are actually spam. You don’t want to miss out on grandma’s 87th birthday party announcement!
Read this if you’re having a problem with Kryptik or any other malware or Trojan, and, if you have new technology vs. good ol' days conflict, check out this old school vs. digital school article.
Curtis Candy - I'm an ex-professional wrestler and stand-up comic, who, after suffering impressive amounts of cranial trauma (most of it from wrestling; ...
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