Rules to Counter eMail Spam

To block out messages in an efficient manner, Microsoft allows one to create a set of rules that create a set of anti-spam filters. A rule can be considered to be a macro triggered by a set of conditions. Outlook can delete a message, flag it, print it or use it for launching an application among the very many capabilities that it possesses. Outlook applies the rules to the messages it receives as well as the messages it sends. The rule capability extends unto the mail server only if it is an Exchange server in which case it informs you, if the rule applies to your system only. The rules wizard lets you create rules from the scratch or from existing messages with variables already in place.

Sue's low maintenance method for filtering spam:
The last four rules in the Rules Wizard make sure that undesired messages not sent directly to me are sent to a Junk Mail Folder. They are designed to handle mailing lists. When one receives the first message from any new mailing list that he has subscribed to, the header is examined to figure out whether the From or To address is the one that distinguishes the distribution list; which is not very difficult. Then, he should right-click and choose Add to Contacts to add the address to his Contacts folder. There are a few specific rules to move messages from a few specific distribution lists into their own folders.

Items sent TO or FROM other lists are caught by these two rules and retained in the inbox.

• Rule#1 - Pre-Junk FROM: Apply this rule after the message arrives from people or distribution list (select distribution list addresses from the address book), then move it to the Inbox folder and finally stop processing more rules.
• Rule #2 - Pre-Junk TO: Apply this rule after the message arrives to people or distribution list (select distribution list addresses from the address book), then move it to the Inbox folder and finally stop processing more rules. The following rule applies to mail sent to any of your email addresses. These addresses are also added in Contacts. This rule works better than those that are created with those sent to me directly or where my name is present in conditions.
• Rule #3 - Pre-Junk TO ME: Apply this rule after the message arrives to people or distribution list (select my own personal email addresses from the PAB or Contacts) then move it to the Inbox folder and finally stop processing more rules.
• Rule #4 - Move to Junkmail folder: Move it to the Junkmail folder except if my name is present in the To or Cc box.