It's all too easy to delete mail from friends and keep the spam. If you've ever filled out an online sweepstakes form, posted a message in an Internet newsgroup, entered a chat room or subscribed to a mailing list, you may have unwittingly handed your e-mail address to a spammer. And once you get on the distribution lists of spammers, it's hard to get off. Short of pulling the plug on your PC, there is no foolproof method of sheltering yourself from these bandwidth bandits. However, there are some steps you can take to cut the amount of spam you receive.
Mail Controls to set their e-mail preferences.
Most commercial e-mail products such as Eudora and Microsoft Outlook Express include filtering tools that can help you weed out unwanted mail. Be careful with your e-mail address. If your online company or Internet service provider allows multiple e-mail accounts, set up an alias that you give out only to those from whom you want to receive mail. Don't ever use that account to post messages on discussion boards, register at Web sites or enter contests. You also can sign up for free e-mail accounts offered by several Web services, including Bigfoot , RocketMail and Yahoo .