December 17, 2001 [Number 221]     Printable version (379k PDF)     Download Adobe Reader

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"Ask TASC"—About Spam E-Mail

TASC receives many calls each day from customers who are experiencing similar problems. In each issue of Interface, we will present some frequently asked questions and answers, as well as tips. We hope you find this information helpful.

Q: What does the acronym SPAM stand for?
A: Nothing. Spam is not an acronym. Interestingly enough, the term was in all probability derived from a Monty Python Flying Circus comedy sketch in which the participants incessantly repeated the word "spam" ad nauseam. The association was thus born between the word spam and this type of e-mail—since both were seemingly limitless, unstoppable and, above all else, extremely annoying.

Q: What is "spam" e-mail?
A: Spam is "Unsolicited e-mail, often of a commercial nature, sent indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or newsgroups; junk e-mail. " The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Fourth Edition).

Q: Can I stop spam E-mail?
A: Mail server administrators do not typically filter or block spam. You can, however, filter mail through your mail client. For example, the Microsoft Outlook client offers a Rules Wizard that will specifically deal with "Junk E-mail."

In Outlook, go to the "Tools" menu, click "Rules Wizard, "and then click "New." A new "rule" will begin construction at this point—just follow the instructions:

• Which type of rule do you want to create?
  Select Check messages when they arrive, then click the "Next" button.
• Which condition(s) do you want to check?
  Select suspected to be junk e-mail or from Junk Senders, then click the "Next" button.
• What do you want to do with the message?
  Most people click the box permanently delete it, and
  also click move it to the specified folder (such as, "Deleted Items").
  A double-click on "specified" at the bottom allows you to choose a folder to receive such e-mail.

Your selections are visible at the bottom of the Wizard under "Rule Description, "where you can edit your selections. Click the "Finish" button to complete the rule, and then click OK to get out of the Rules Wizard.

You can apply your rule to any e-mail from an annoying spam sender—simply highlight the message in your Inbox, click on the "Actions" menu, click Junk E-mail, and then click on "Add to Junk Senders List." That particular sender's mail will now be filtered according to the rule you just set up.

Q: Can’t I simply unsubscribe to a spam e-mail sender?
A: This is not advised. Replying to a "spammer" may actually have the opposite effect. By sending a message back to the sender, this confirms to the spammer that your e-mail address is valid and that you read your e-mail. This can make you an even bigger target for spam.

For further information, please visit the NIH Web page on unwanted e-mail and spam.

If you have any questions please call TASC (301.594-6248), and a consultant will be happy to help you.

We welcome your ideas about topics in future editions of "Ask TASC." Please send suggestions to TASC@mail.nih.gov.