Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Spam Filter.

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Ratings

Feature Set

Does the software have a lot of useful features that are essential to filtering spam? The list of the software's abilities and unique attributes printed on the outside of the box is often called the feature set.

Ease of Use

This is one of the most important features that we at Spam-Filter-Review look for. Is the product user friendly-easy for beginners and experienced computer users alike?

Ease of Installation

How simple is the software to install and use on your computer? Are additional downloads necessary before you can make a copy? Do errors pop up during the installation? Is there help available?

Stability

Does the program seem error-prone? Does it react negatively with other software already installed on your computer?

Customization

Does the program allow you to modify the filtering settings and give you the ability to design your own filtering criteria?

Spam Filtering Effectiveness

Mail NOT in Spam Folder

Is the program effective at keeping legitimate mail out of your spam folder or quarantine area.

Spam in Spam Folder

Is the program effective at keeping Spam in the Spam folder or quarantine area.

Mail in Inbox

Is the program effective at allowing only your legitimate mail to enter your in-box.

Spam NOT in Inbox

Is the program effective at keeping the Spam out of your Inbox.

Blocking Filters (Blacklist)

Block Certain IP Addresses

This will allow you to block incoming messages by its IP address. If you want to single out a specific company with multiple email addresses, this is the most accurate way.

Block Certain Servers

This will allow you to block incoming messages by a specific domain. In other words, a company may use multiple IP addresses but they all come from a single domain. This is a more umbrella approach to blocking email.

Block Email Addresses

This will allow you to block incoming messages by its specific email address.

Public Blacklist Support

Does the program use a public blacklist such as spamcop.net to filter incoming messages for spam?

Allowing Filters (Whitelist)

Allow Specific Server

This will allow you to accept messages from a specific domain.

Allow Specific IP Addresses

This will allow you to accept messages by their IP address.

Allow Email Addresses

This will allow you to accept messages from a specific email address.

Content/Category Filters

Pre-Set Categories

The program comes with pre-set categories for filtering the content of an incoming email. For example, emails that contain content such as, financial, adult content, health, etc.

Number of Categories

The number of different categories the program offers that will allow you to fine-tune your email filtering capabilities.

Rules

Rule Customization

This option will allow you to add, delete, or edit the filtering rules. A rule is a set criteria for determining whether or not an email is wanted or unwanted. For example, you could make a rule that "blocks" any email containing the word "viagra". Conversely, you could also set a rule that allows any email that comes from your spouse regardless of the content.

Pre-defined Rules

Does the program install pre-defined filtering rules during setup?

Multiple Rule Selection

Will the program allow you to use multiple rules to set up your filtering options?

Message Handling

Bounce

This option bounces the email message back to the sender making them think your email address is no longer valid. Some spam protection companies think that this is actually a negative because spammers can usually tell the difference anyway.

Deletion Capabilities

This option allows you to delete suspected spam email messages from the quarantine area automatically before they enter into your Inbox.

Other Features

Quarantine Area

This is an area for an incoming message to be placed for you to review. Basically, it puts anything your settings define as "spam" out of your Inbox. From here, you can either delete, accept, or bounce the message or apply rules to fine-tune your filter even more.

Group Collaboration

Does the program collaborate with different DNS servers to detect if the email is on a blacklist?

Origin Blacklist

This is an existing blacklist that is installed during the installation process that will allow you to start detecting "known" Spam from the start.

Sensitivity Settings

This will allow you increase or decrease the filtering sensitivity settings for detecting spam. For example, if an email contains the word "sex" only once, it may not be blocked. But if it contains the same word multiple times, it would be blocked.

Individual User Profiles

Will the program allow the user to set up profiles (filtering settings) for each individual user?

Reporting Capabilities

The program has the capability to provide the user with reports of the spam filtering taking place.

View Blocked Email with Graphics On / Off

This option will allow you to view incoming emails with graphics on or off. This will allow you to review your quarantined email to determine whether it is legitmate or not without being exposed to any objectionable images.

Scheduled Auto Deletion

Will the program allow you to setup auto-deletion of your spam folder?

Importing of Address Book

The program will automatically read the contents of your existing address book and import it into your approved senders list. In other words, an email would never be blocked from people already in your address book regardless of the content.

Easy Upgrades Available

The program will automatically read the contents of your existing address book and import it into your approved senders list. In other words, an email would never be blocked from people already in your address book regardless of the content.

Customer Support

Program Help Menu

Does the program offer a help screen or file to assist you in setting up and operating the program?

Product Documentation

Does the program offer built-in or online product documentation?

Technical Support Available

Is technical support offered via email, by phone, or at their website?

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