For your information - Bayesian filtering

Those using Netscape might already be familiar with the term Bayesian filtering. This is a way of identifying SPAM based on the message's content and properties. The filter learns what you class as SPAM by the way you mark your incoming e-mails. Pretty soon, it knows enough to put 99% of junk mail straight into the rubbish bin. It can make mistakes during its learning period but confidence that it will not do so grows as time goes by.

More can be read about how Bayesian filtering works in a Netscape page here.

Bayesian filtering is also used by Mozilla Thunderbird, a stand-alone e-mail program stripped out of the Mozilla (Netscape) browser, mailing and editing combination program. It is designed to be a companion to the Firebird browser.

Both Firebird (browser) and Thunderbird (e-mail client) do not suffer from the security threats that seem to dog Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. The security aspect and Bayesian SPAM filtering makes Thunderbird a good alternative to Outlook Express.

There are some programs that will add Bayesian filtering to Outlook Express and other mail clients:

POPFile is a 'proxy' (sits in between your email program and the e-mail server). Any e-mail arriving at your address is scanned and categorised by POPFile first. If found to be SPAM, it prefixes the words in brackets, '[SPAM]' to the subject line. Then you set a filter within Outlook Express (or other) to divert any e-mail containing thre prefix straight to the rubbish bin. As with any Bayesian filtering method it has to be taught what is SPAM before it becomes effective.

So there ya go