An out of control inbox is frustrating and irritating. Take back your inbox by purchasing anti-spam software. Most anti-spam programs are reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate. This is a winning combination for anyone seeking some spam relief.
Typically, anti-spam software can be purchased for less than $40. Before purchasing any software, make sure that the program you choose is compatible with your current email program.
Cloudmark DesktopOne Pro -- $19+
Anti-spam filters are either overzealous or not tough enough. Cloudmark DesktopOne Pro gets it just right. This anti-spam software filters out all spam without mistaking most good messages for bad ones. Cloudmark DesktopOne Pro works with a little help from Cloudmark community members. As soon as a few community members mark an email address as “spam” Cloudmark’s spam filter automatically blocks all messages related to the address.
Unlike many other anti-spam filters, Cloudmark Pro allows you to customize your filters, and no emails are entirely erased until you give the go-ahead. Cloudmark Pro is one of the few anti-spam programs that is compatible with POP3 and IMAP accounts.
SPAMfighter Pro -- $25+
The SPAMfighter Pro software package claims that this program can block 95% of all spam. In most instances, SPAMfighter Pro lives up to this claim. As with Cloudmark DesktopOne Pro, SPAMfighter Pro works based upon a community reporting system. As community members report spam addresses, SPAMfighter Pro automatically blocks harmful addresses.
You can also change the amount of protection that you get from SPAMfighter Pro, so making this program stronger or lighter is a matter of tweaking. SPAMfighter Pro also comes with a simple user interface that’s nice and clean. This program is compatible with Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird, Outlook Express, and Outlook. Gmail and Yahoo support can be obtained.
CleanMail Home -- $35+
CleanMail Home is really two types of software rolled into one user-friendly package. CleanMail Home works in conjunction with SpamAssasin (a highly effective anti-virus), As with most other anti-spam programs, CleanMail Home is highly customizable. You can create specialized lists, add addresses to a list, and change the level of protection CleanMail Home provides. CleanMail Home is a simple program that is very effective making it a good choice for users of all levels. This program supports SMPT/POP3 clients – Hotmail, AOL, and IMAP are not supported.
MailWasher Pro -- $25+
MailWasher Pro is at the top of the spam filter list. This program allows you to create different lists according to contacts. A friends list can be created (this list should include contacts who you mail regularly), and an anti-spam list can also be created. MailWasher Pro is “intelligent” meaning that this program will learn about new emails as you block spam.
When an email fits your usual spam description, MailWasher Pro automatically filters suspicious emails. The one drawback to MailWasher Pro is that this program takes more system resources than other programs. While MailWasher Pro won’t prevent you from surfing the net or listening to music, you might have a hard time watching videos or editing photos while running MailWasher Pro. Other than this small glitch, MailWasher Pro is a solid anti-spam filtering program. MailWasher Pro is compatible with Microsoft Outlook Express, Gmail, Hotmail, Thunderbird, Outlook, and IMAP clients.