Easy ways to limit spam
An easy technical way to help limit the amount of spam you receive and stop viruses and other malicious code from infecting your machine is by deactivating the preview pane which operates by default in most e-mail clients such as Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express. The preview pane is the section of the screen below the list of messages in which new messages automatically open without the user having to double click on them.
A lot of spam has an in-built “confirmed receipt” feature which automatically reports back to the spammer that a user has opened the mail and that the user’s address is therefore valid. Once the spammer knows you are definitely out there you can only expect more and more spam, especially as a confirmed e-mail address has a value and will be sold to other spammers.
Deactivating the preview pane may also assist you to prevent infection by viruses. While most people know by now never to open an attachment which appears suspicious (even if from a supposedly trustworthy source), there have been a number of viruses in recent years which can infect your machine simply by being opened (or previewed). Removing the preview pane at least gives you the opportunity to delete or quarantine mails which you recognize as being malicious.
To deactivate the preview pane, users of Outlook Express should go to “View”, select layout and uncheck the preview pane box. Outlook users simply go to “View” and uncheck the preview pane option.
18 Jun 2004
This article is intended to provide general guidance and does not constitute professional advice relating to specific instances. Should you wish to place any reliance on the information presented in this article we strongly advise that you consult your legal advisor or the Electronic Law Consultancy - info@e-lawconsultancy.co.za
