Thread: Ban the spam

Using the junk mail feature in Thunderbird is also remarkably easy. Simply click on a message in your inbox to highlight it and then you have a couple of options to tag it as spam. Either press the Flame icon in the top toolbar, or click on the This Is Junk button on the message itself. The standard window displaying your messages shows miniature flames in the column next to the date, to show you which messages have been designated as spam.

The best thing about Thunderbird is that it learns to filter emails based on your choices. If it marked a message as spam and you save it from its grave in the Junk Mail folder, it will look at why it marked it as junk in the first place and modify those criteria next time a similar message comes into your inbox. In the same way, as you mark messages as spam it makes a note of their characteristics and uses that to catch similar messages the next time around. The more you mark, the more accurate it becomes.



If you'd rather have spam messages separated from your other email, go to the Tools menu and choose Options. Click on Privacy and then select the Junk tab. Put a tick in the check box next to When I Mark Messages As Junk and you can have them go straight into the Junk Mail folder. Just remember to check this folder regularly to hone Thunderbird's blocking skills.

Admittedly, Outlook Express and Windows Mail are an easy option for PC users who like the comfort of built-in software. However it takes only a hint of an adventurous spirit to try out a few alternatives. Our favourite, Thunderbird, has the features to turn your head and make it worth the switch.