Q

How do I stop Junk Mail using a modern email client?

A

Modern email programs offer advanced junk email filtering that "learns" what is and isn't a piece of spam. This "learning" improves by "training" the program the difference between messages you consider spam, and those you consider legitimate. The instructions below will walk you through installing an email program called "Thunderbird". Thunderbird is free and operates similarly to Microsoft's Outlook Express.

Remember, Thunderbird will replace your existing email program. If you're not comfortable learning a new program, you shouldn't follow these instructions.

1. Download and install Thunderbird.
2. The first time you open Thunderbird, it'll begin the "Account Wizard".
3. You'll be setting up a new "Email account", so choose that and then click "Next".
4. Fill in your full name, and your email address, then click "Next".
5. Your incoming mail server is a "POP" server, and it is named "mail.totalnetnh.net". Click "Next".
6. Enter your User Name and click "Next".
7. Enter an Account Name (whatever you desire); click "Next".
8. Finally, confirm your settings and click "Finish".

Thunderbird is as full-featured as you'd expect an email program to be, and you can find further information about using it, including the spam filters, at the links below:

• An explanation of the different icons in your toolbar.
• Making a signature and composing your first email.
• An introduction to Thunderbird's Junk Mail controls.
• Importing email and addresses from other programs.
• Creating email filters in Thunderbird.