I remember a time, not long ago, when I was told that technology and email would save me time and be a more efficient, inexpensive and effective way of communication. Well, part of that is true. However, it seems the more people I meet, the more email I am receiving and sending.
I don't know about you, but for me, it's an all day and evening endeavor. Something I use to do a few times a day, I am now doing all day long. In searching for a solution to filter out the many emails I receive, I was really looking for a way to reduce the SPAM. I hate SPAM!
Phishing is another thing that drives me crazy! If it takes me 3 passwords to get into my secured network laptop, why is it so easy for them to get in? Phishing is when you get an email from the Bank (appearing to be your own) and they ask you to click on a bunch of different links, then enter private and personal information. DON'T DO IT! JUST DON'T DO IT! Your bank will NEVER send you an email like this.
Do you hate SPAM and PHISHING? It's pretty common to find that REALTORS® and LENDERS have way more SPAM, because they're out there marketing to the public. Having your email visible on public websites is among the easiest ways to get an in-box full of this stuff.
There are many companies selling products to eliminate spam, and even more discussions on the efficiency of those solutions. There is one solution, however, that is free and actually does a pretty good job at eliminating the unwanted deluge. I'm speaking about G-Mail! Now, first of all, this won't work for everyone, but for those persons using standard email accounts like @comcast.net or @sbcglobal.net and the like will find this solution worthwhile.
GMail includes the three pieces of technology you need to get free spam filtering. They are:
- The Google Spam Filter
- Free POP Access
- Free Forwarding
So, the scenario goes something like this:
- Sign up for a GMail account.
- Give GMail the login information for your POP account.
(From Outlook, Outlook Express or any other email program) - Let GMail collect your email for you, and filter it through their spam filter.
- Set your Outlook (or whichever program) to stop receiving from your POP account, but instead to receive from GMail.
(Keep outgoing email settings the same) Do Not Change.
The end game is that Google will filter your email and deliver it straight to your in-box, just as before, but with the spam removed. When you reply, it'll still look like it's coming from your regular account, not from GMail. Email overload will only get worse as time goes on if we don't do something about it. I have seen cases where it got so bad, and out of control, the only cure was to change the email address. For many of us, that's just not an option!
It's helpful to know there are tools out there, and ways we can get around having to manage something that for some of us, has become un-manageable! There may also be other cost effective and efficient solutions out there more suitable to your needs. This one works for me. :-)
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This tells me they may be working on something right now, but I'm not sure of that! 
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