Carroll County Times Articles
Spam... Yuck!
by David Hodgdon – July 6, 2008
Spam is now a ubiquitous term describing unwanted or unsolicited electronic messages, most often arriving via email but also in instant messenger and cell phone text messaging. It is not only annoying, but it could cost you money and all of it is illegal unless you have "opted in" to receive it. Spammers, that is those who create and send these unwanted messages, are extremely difficult to catch. The mail server sending it is often a hapless victim. It could even by the one at your office!
Unfortunately many of us opt in without realizing it. One thing you can do to prevent this from happening when ordering on-line is to uncheck any box that allows them to send you advertising via email. Nearly all sites have this and require you to un-check it. Some of the more unscrupulous on-line stores will put this check box below the submit order button, often out of view unless you scroll to the bottom of the page.
Other things you can do to cut down on spam in your inbox, mail and phone are; Register at www.dmaconsumers.org, www.optoutprescreen.com and www.donotcall.gov. Open a free on-line email account from Yahoo or Hotmail. Use this account just to shop on-line. Or make up an email address like abc@123.com when ordering on-line. The only drawback to this is you will not receive shipping notice information. Purchase an anti-spam add-in for your email client. My personal favorite is CA Anti-Spam (www.qurb.com). It has a 15 day free trial period and does a great job keeping your inbox clean of unwanted messages. As a last resort get a new email address and never use it to purchase or register for anything on-line.
Businesses large and small have other options available that stop not only spam but viruses and spyware before it gets to your network. With Unified Threat Management (UTM) devices like the Cyberoam CR25i, installed between to your network and the cable or DSL modem, you can stop cyber criminals of all types. These devices cost less than your daily dose of cappuccino. Add in the amount of time saved using email by you and your employees and the cost is quickly redeemed through increased productivity and piece of mind. Additionally, UTM devices can block access to websites known to be pornographic, sources of viruses and other malware, spam and more. They can also block time wasting websites like My Space, You Tube and other personal websites either completely or during select times of the day. Technology can and should help you do business in today's marketplace. Talk to your IT consultant about using technology to improve your business practices and bottom line.
About the Author
David Hodgdon is the owner of Hassle Free IT Services (www.HassleFreeITServices.com) of Westminster and a member of the Carroll Technology Council. He can be contacted for computer support questions at 443-340-3166 or by email at info@hasslefreeitservices.com. Business owners mentioning this article receive two hours of free support.
