The war against spam continues.

Lately we have experienced major "mail storms," periods of large amounts of spam entering our network, about once a week.

We have also learned that spammers are now using a new trick. They are able to verify valid email addresses by placing a return code in their graphic messages. This enables them to verify your email address even if you just preview a spam message in your email program!

The new SpamCheck software is much faster and robust than earlier versions. As a result, the new SpamCheck is able to handle 4 to 5 times the amount of spam than the last version.

Using this new SpamCheck software in addition to our added incoming mail servers should prevent future delays in processing email even during "mail storms."

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Our autoresponder service enables you to create an automated reply to anyone sending you an email while you are away.

However, we recently noticed that a few

people have set up an autoresponder to advertise their web site; throughout the entire year!

Please be considerate when creating an

autoresponder. Such abuse of the service will make people reluctant to send you email if they know they will have to receive your autoreply for months on end.

We have also implemented a way to thwart their new verification scheme. The new SpamCheck automatically removes the html from any message identified as spam. Only the links to their page

and images remain.

This process prevents spammers from verifying your email address since your email program will no longer access their web sites.

Another important benefit to removing the html from spam messages is that we will no longer be subjected to viewing pornographic spam when viewing our SPAM? folder!

The SpamCheck project is an ongoing process. If you have any suggestions, let us know.

It was a quiet month at the help desk.

Most calls were for account setup information.

If you ever need help, please select tech support if you call our main office numbers. This will enable you to get our

access numbers, email settings or talk with someone at our help desk.

Please remember, our help desk team is available to you 24 hours a day and the direct, toll free number is
877-221-2116.

This was also a quiet month on the network. None of our upstream providers had any incidents to report.

This month was spent mainly on improving and implementing the new SpamCheck software

and installing several new mail servers.

We will now return to completing the upgrades to several servers and building several new firewalls/subnet routers.

Are you pleased with our service? Do you know someone who is unhappy with their current Internet or On-line service?

Why not do them and yourself a favor?

Just recommend our service. If they subscribe, we'll give you a free month of access!

They will appreciate your advice and you'll save a little money.

Again this month, over a dozen subscribers are getting their access in March for free - just by referring new subscribers.

Everybody wins!