Anti-Spam

Ratings and Reviews of Anti-Spam and Pop-Blocking Software

Anti-Spam and Pop-Up Blocking

Tired of your email inbox being filled and your Internet connection clogged with porno and other unwanted messages? Sick of closing those annoying "pop-ups" that flash onto your screen every time you go to a major web site? Then read on. There are solutions! The software reviewed on this page will help you manage "spam" and get rid of those pop-ups! However, before you rush out and purchase the software with a big smile on your

face, a couple of things to remember:

Anti-Spam software is less than perfect - don't expect it to catch everything and MORE IMPORTANTLY understand that it may actually classify "good" messages as Spam. This actually happened to us here at Home Office Reports and it was a difficult and painful less to learn. We missed an important message because we relied too much on imperfect software! Don't make the same mistake! Remember to check your "spam", just in case!
Configuration - expect to spend some time customizing and refining the configuration of your anti-spam and pop-up software. You'll have to learn as you go, determining what should be filtered, and what shouldn't. Then you'll have to learn how to add/delete these filters - AND STAY AT IT - to make the most out of these software packages.
Compatibility - an on-going refrain from us, but many of these packages, if not "right" for your implementation can crash your PC, slow it down or worse. Make sure that the software works with your email package and browser!
Forms and More - if you are doing or plan on doing a lot of your business using email, the ability to design and integrate forms is important. Standard email "forms" can save time and money when you need basic information on an ongoing basis from a variety of sources.
Help and Advice - make sure you purchase from a reputable company that has not only an extensive online knowledge base, but one that will "keep up" with the spammers and pop-up makers! They change their technology almost daily to "beat" anti-spam and pop-up software, so the software manufacturer must provide YOU with free updates and knowledge so you can keep your inbox and browsing screen "free".

Ready to clean out that inbox, be free from pop-ups? Let's see what's out there.

Some vendors offer more than one package in this category. We'll review them in table format within that vendor's detailed review.

Anti-Spam and Pop-Up Blocking Software Review

Anti-Spam and Pop-Up Software*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

Company	Best For*	Simple Start-Up	Cost	Time Savings	Ease of Use	Works With	Support	Features	Overall Rating
American Systems	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iii	%%%1/2
Ashampoo	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	ii	%%%
CA	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2+	iii1/2+	%%%1/2+
Crystal Graphics	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iii1/2+	%%%1/2+
Cypherus	RP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY1/2	ppp1/2	iii1/2	%%%1/2+
FBM Software	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pp	iii	%%%1/2
PC Security Shield	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pppp1/2	iii1/2	%%%%
SpywareNuker	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pp	ii1/2	%%%
Sunbelt Software	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iii1/2	%%%%

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

American Systems

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

American System's Spam Crusher applications are easy to install and set up for your use.

Cost - $$$$

Spam Crusher for Outlook is priced at $24.95, Spam Crusher at $19.95, Spam Crusher for Bat! is $24.95 and Spam Crusher Enterprise is $395.00 for twenty mailboxes.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
Spam Crusher for Outlook 1.0	$24.95	Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP	Anti-Spam Software	Configure how often Spam Crusher checks email Add friends directly from Junk Mail folder Add new filters from Inbox Automatically start Spam Crusher with Windows Set a "hot key" to launch program Set "Mail in" and Spam filtered" sound for each account Turn sounds on and off by account View email from Inbox View email from Junk Mail Folder Set Spam Crusher to delete Spam every "x" days Delete some or all filtered email immediately Password protect filters Delete email with attachments such as .PIF, .BAT Pause operation Automatic update	Microsoft Outlook
Spam Crusher for the Bat! 1.0	$24.95	Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP	Anti-Spam Software	Configure how often Spam Crusher checks email Add friends directly from Junk Mail folder Add new filters from Inbox Automatically start Spam Crusher with Windows Set a "hot key" to launch program Set "Mail in" and Spam filtered" sound for each account Turn sounds on and off by account View email from Inbox View email from Junk Mail Folder Set Spam Crusher to delete Spam every "x" days Delete some or all filtered email immediately Password protect filters Delete email with attachments such as .PIF, .BAT Pause operation Automatic update	The Bat!
Spam Crusher Enterprise - 25 mailboxes	$395.00	Windows NT, 2000, XP, Server 2003, requires web server that runs ASP such as Internet Information Server Linux Unix	Anti-Spam Software	Server side spam filter Users can look at filtered mail with web browser, add to friends list and specify key phrases that identify good and bad email
Spam Crusher	$19.95	Windows	Anti-Spam Software	Configure how often Spam Crusher checks for email Add friends directly from the Trash Can Add filters from inbox Automatically start Spam Crusher when Windows starts Set a "hotkey" to bring up the program Set a "Mail in" and "spam filtered" sound for each account Turn sounds on and off by account Launch email program to get mail View email from Spam Crusher Inbox Turn sounds off for all accounts View any email from Trash Can Set Spam Crusher to delete old SPAM every x days Delete some or all filtered emails immediately Check all accounts Password protect the filters Have Spam Crusher delete email with certain attachments - PIF, BAT, etc. Salvage any email from Trash Can Pause Spam Crusher operation Live updates Filter update every 14 days Does not work with AOL, Hotmail or Juno

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you don't want to be slowed down by SPAM this software will definitely make you more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Spam Crusher applications are simple to set up and customize for your use.

Works With - YYY

Spam Crusher applications are designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

American Systems provides email and phone support.

Features - iii

All of the anti-spam features you'd expect.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Competitively priced anti-spam software - versions for Outlook and The Bat! as well.

Ashampoo

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Ashampoo's IP Spam Blocker is simple to download and install.

Cost - $$$$$

IP Spam Blocker is free.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
IP Spam Blocker	Free	Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP	Anti-Spam Software	Turns off spam generated through internal Windows messaging service.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

This is a simple tool that simply turns off the Windows messaging service - and allows your PC to be free of Spam generated by this facility.

Ease of Use - @@@@

You won't know it's there.

Works With - YYY

IP Spam Blocker is deisgned for Windows NT, 2000 and XP only.

Support - ppp

Ashampoo's web site includes a support database with fixes for common problems. If you need more help, email is your only option.

Features - ii

A free tool that does one simple task - turns off the Windows messaging system so you don't get Spam generated by this facility.

Overall Rating - %%%

A free tool. Good if it's all you need.

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

CA's Anti-Spam Plus 2008 is simple to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

Anti-Spam Plus 2008 is priced at $49.99 for 3 licenses.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*Anti-Spam Plus 2008*	$49.99 for 3 licenses	Windows 2000, XP, Vista	Anti-Spam Software	Blocks spam Prevents phishing attacks and email fraud No content filters to set up or manage Continuous protection Protects multiple email accounts Integrates with Microsoft Outlook/Exchange Email search Spam score Supports sender score certified International language support Import/export approved senders Helps provide protection against fraudulent and malicious web sites Browser toolbar Link advisor Optional warning sound Report submissions	Microsoft Exchange, POP3, Outlook

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you don't want to have your email/system flooded with unwanted email, a tool to make you more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Most anti-Spam functions are automated in Anti-Spam Plus 2008. You won't have to configure content filters.

Works With - YYY

Anti-Spam Plus 2008 is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2+

The tech support area of the CA web site includes a FAQ and searchable knowledge base. If you need more help, you can email tech support, have real-time interaction with them via online chat or pay for telephone support - $49.95 per incident (more than the cost of the software itself!).

Features - iii1/2+

Solid anti-Spam protection. Support for challenge/response and bonded sender are good "nice to haves". Additional "plus" functionality is web site advisor that warns you when you land on a malicious or fraudulent web site.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

A good tool from a company with a solid reputation in computer security.

Crystal Graphics

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Crystal Graphics' PowerPlugs: AntiSpam is easy to download and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

PowerPlugs: AntiSpam is priced at $29.99 for a one year subscription, annual renewals are $13.99 per year.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*PowerPlugs: AntiSpam*	$29.99 for one year subscription, $13.99 per year renewal	Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP	Anti-Spam Software	Accurately filters spam - six engines and 300,000 algorithms and rules to identify spam 0% false positives Standard spam filters, customizable filters to exclude IP addresses, countries, public blacklists and Bayesian word training options Automatically converts contacts folder to approved senders list and cross-references Outlook junk senders list with blocked senders list Automatic updates	Outlook 2000,2002, 2003

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you don't want to be slowed down by spam clogging your inbox, this software/service will definitely make you more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

PowerPlugs: AntiSpam includes standard filters to exclude spam as well as automatic conversion of Outlook contacts to approved senders and junk senders to blocked senders list. Customizable as well.

Works With - YYY

PowerPlugs: AntiSpam is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

The Crystal Graphics support site is well organized and they have a number of FAQs and "tips and tricks" to help you use PowerPlugs Stationery effectively. Customer support is also available via email and telephone (9 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific).

Features - iii1/2+

6 engines, 300,000 algorithms - a powerful anti-spam tool for Outlook users.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Competitively priced anti-spam service for users of Microsoft Outlook.

Email Stationery, Photos, Backgrounds, Emoticons, Spam Filter and more for Outlook and Outlook Express
World's best designer stationery, business photos, animated emoticons, spam-filtering software, witty famous quotations and more. For more information, please visit www.CrystalGraphics.com.

Cypherus

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Cypherus is easy to install and configure.

Cost - $$$$

Cypherus Encryption Suite is priced at $29.95.

Software

Price

O/S Supported

Overview

Features

Compatibility

Cypherus

Encryption Suite 2.0

$29.95

Windows 9x, ME, NT 4.0, 2000

Macintosh version under development

Email Protection

Encrypt and decrypt email in "one click"
Secure archives using 448-bit Blowfish encryption
Key manager stores passwords and PINs in a single, secure location
Document shredder allows you to write over files
Secure files can be sent to non-Cypherus users using self-decrypting archives opened with a password
PKI (Public Key Server) protection
Personalized "skins"-based user interface

Netscape Messenger, Microsoft Outlook 2000, Outlook Express and Eudora

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you are worried about the security of your email or work with companies that demand you interact with them using encrypted email, Cypherus offers a solution to make you more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Cypherus has made it very simple to send and receive encrypted email as well as protect your passwords and archived email on your PC.

Works With - YYY1/2

Cypherus is currently available in the Windows environment only. However, they state that a Macintosh version is under development.

Support - ppp1/2

Cyphreus offers a number of options to get your technical issues addressed. They have a discussion group, large library of technical documents, a "how to" section and FAQ's as well as email support. You'll probably get your problem answered "online" if you take the time to search their web site.

Features - iii1/2

A good solution for sending and receiving encrypted email. Best features are the encrypted archive and key manager for secure storage of passwords and PINs.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

If you need to send encrypted email or just don't like the thought of anyone "easily" reading your communications, the Cypherus package is a strong entrant in the market and a good buy.

FBM Software

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

FBM Software's ZeroSpam and ZeroAds are easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$1/2

ZeroSpam and ZeroAds are both priced at $29.95.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
ZeroSpam	$29.95	Windows	Anti-Spam Software	Blocks 99.9% of junk email Imports address book into "Approved" email list, lets you specify address to approve or block Processes 60 emails a second 5 Anti-Spam engines - analyze, analyze SpamRepute, analyze SpamContent, Analyze SpamTricks, Analyze SpamID	Outlook, Eudora, Pegasus, Incredimail
ZeroAds	$29.95	Windows	Anti-Pop-Up Software	Blocks pop-up ads banner ads, flash ads, removes cookies Blocks ads from spyware Runs in background, self-configuring Automatic updates	Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, MSN

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Stopping pop-ups will make your web searches go faster and anti-spam software will free your inbox from annoying and obnoxious email.

Ease of Use - @@@@

ZeroSpam and ZeroAds perform automatic configuration - however, you can change parameters, where necessarily, fairly easily.

Works With - YYY

FBM Software's applications are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp1/2

The technical support area of FBM Software's web site includes a FAQ. If you need more help, you can email tech support or contact them 24/7 using live chat.

Features - iii1/2

Solid anti-spam and anti-pop-up software.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Applications that do what they say they'll do to protect your surfing and inbox.

PC Security Shield

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

PC Security Shield's SpamShield 4.0 and BlockthePop are easy to download, install and setup for use.

Cost - $$$$

SpamShield is priced at $29.99, BlockthePop at $9.99.

Software

Price

O/S Supported

Overview

Features

Compatibility

SpamShield 4.0

$29.99

Windows 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP

Anti-Spam Software

Approval-based email management
Wizard to help customize
Permission management
Supports multiple POP accounts owned by a single user
Approved lists generated form Address Book of Microsoft Outlook Express, Outlook 98, 2000 and 2002
Safe previewing of messages
Client-based
Checks Spam Block List
Import existing contacts
Includes 12 month subscription to Computer Shopper Magazine

POP3, Outlook, Outlook Express

BlockthePop V2.0

$9.99

Windows 98, NT, 2000, ME, XP

Anti-Pop-Up Software

Blocks multiple pop-up ads at once
Blocks mouse over pop-ups as well as entry and exit pop-ups
Custom alert for pop-ups blocked
Displays list of blocked ads
Blocks pop-ups by domain, URL/Web Address, Windows Title
Blocks banner ads, IP message ads, cookie ads, fly-in ads
Fully configurable - allows pops you want, blocks those you don't want
Audible alert when pop-up is blocked

Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher

AOL 5.0 or higher

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Getting rid of all that extra nuisance email in your inbox will certainly speed up the process of reading and deleting unwanted email, and blocking those annoying pop-up ads will speed up your web surfing.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Wizards to help you setup "approved" lists and other email handling functions make using Spamshield software a "snap". BlockthePop provides a list of blocked ads from which you can choose those you want to allow - or not!

Works With - YYY

SpamShield and BlockthePop are designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2+

PC Security Shield products include one year of technical support. The web site includes a FAQ, installation guides and user manuals as well as a software download area. If you need more help, you can email tech support or call them Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM Eastern time, Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM Eastern time (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where applicable) - and it's free!

Features - iii1/2+

The integration of Spamshield with Microsoft Outlook is a big plus as are the ability to manage multiple accounts (the author "owns" eight email addresses at this time - you'll find you'll have more than one too!) and preview messages without "spammers" knowing that you're looking at them! BlockthePop has alerts and logs of blocked pop-up ads as well as the ability to block multiple pop-ups at one time.

Overall Rating - %%%%

As with any spam prevention tool you'll have to watch to ensure that "good" mail doesn't get classified as spam from time to time. However, Spamshield software is VERY competitively priced and delivers all the functionality you'll need. BlockthePop is well priced, functional, ad-blocking software.

SpywareNuker

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Spam Nuker is simple to install and configure.

Cost - $$$1/2

Spam Nuker is priced at $29.95.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
Spam Nuker	$29.95	Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000 and XP	Anti-Spam Software	Spam filtering software	Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, Microsoft Outlook

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Spam Nuker will help you keep your system and inbox free of advertisements and other unwanted email.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Spam Nuker has an easy to use interface for configuration and customization of the software.

Works With - YYY

Spam Nuker is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - pp

A FAQ is about it. Send an email and hope if you run into trouble.

Features - ii1/2

Basic capabilities in Spam Nuker.

Overall Rating - %%%

Basic entry in this market.

Sunbelt Software

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Sunbelt Software's iHateSpam software is easy to install and configure to meet your specific requirements.

Cost - $$$$

iHateSpam is priced at $19.95.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*iHateSpam v 5.0*	$19.95, $99.75 for five licenses	Windows 2000, XP, Vista	Anti-Spam Software	Eliminates junk email and phishing attempts Works with Microsoft Outlook Spam is quarantined until yo9u delete Puts you in control of email Does not block email you want to receive One year spam filter updates	Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

You'll rid your inbox of annoying and unwanted messages and advertisements using this tool.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Customizing this tool for your specific requirements is simple and fast.

Works With - YYY

Sunbelt's software is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

Sunbelt has an easy to navigate and fairly extensive online knowledge base at their web site. After you register your software and yourself on their site, you can contact technical support via email or phone.

Features - iii1/2

The extra for Sunbelt is the automatic spam campaign updates.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Good tool at a good price - but you'll definitely have to be a Microsoft user - support for only Outlook.

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