The odd thing about spam – junk email – is that works. We all hate learning more than anybody would want to know about Viagra, investments, and unmentionables. Because the cost of sending email is relatively low, unsavory companies can send out thousands of uninvited messages each day. The problem is, they get responses so they continue to use this method of advertising. People actually click on the links in these emails and ultimately purchase products or services from these companies.

Here are some suggestions for to help you eliminate spam:

Ignore the junk emails. No matter how good the deal is or how convincing the email, don’t click, forward, or even read them. Second, never reply to the email. If you reply they know you are real and will deluge you with emails. Even clicking the “unsubscribe” link will alert them. Third, be careful where you use your favorite email account.

If you register for a free deal or sign up for a newsletter your address may become a favorite target of spam. Get a free Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail account for the times you need to submit your email address.

Also, keep in mind that spammers simply randomly try to guess your email address. They send millions of messages out each day. They don’t care if they miss on even 99% of them.

Here are two methods to guarantee you are virtually free from spam. You don’t have to be spending hours each day sorting your messages.

www.cloudmark.com markets a product that is based on its community’s response to emails. If the larger community views the email as spam then the filter will place it in a “Spam” folder in your email program. Occasionally you can review the folder for false positives. The great thing about this software is that it rarely gets false “positives” (good emails that get tagged as spam). Cost: $39/year per computer. Visit www.Cloudmark.com/   for a free 30 day trial

SpamTrasher uses various methods for tagging a message as spam. Tagged messages are stored on a server that you can review through a web interface. You have control over the sensitivity, white lists, and black lists. Cost: $35/month for all email addresses @yourdomain.com. For More information contact Network Solutions Northwest (360)306-5313.

So free yourself from the spam onslaught and enjoy reading your email again.